DISCOUNTS and offers are set to launch in Southampton tomorrow to get residents back to the shops.

From Monday, a variety of offers and discounts will be available for residents as over 100,000 households are expected to receive a new SO card.

Running for a trial period until August 31, the cards can be shown to businesses that have signed up to participate when ordering, buying at the till, or when pre-booking packages and experiences.

The scheme, by the city’s Business Improvement District (BID) and supported by Southampton City Council, has been put together to encourage footfall back into businesses that have faced closures due to the pandemic.

Giles Semper, Executive Director at GO! Southampton believes the cards will play a “vital part in getting Southampton back on its feet over the summer”.

“There is something for everyone, from hospitality and retail to leisure and health – both in independent and high street names. All they need to do is head to the Visit Southampton website, browse the offers and redeem in store or online.”

Lauren Sutton, Hotel Manager at Mercure Southampton Centre Dolphin Hotel, one of the city businesses with an offer with the SO card , said: “After such a challenging time for everyone, we were excited to be a part of a scheme which will see residents and workers return to the city. It will be fantastic to see the city come to life once again.”

The SO card scheme is being hosted through the Visit Southampton website, where residents can also find a full list of businesses taking part.

A range of offers, packages and experiences are expected to be available with Giles Semper adding: “There is no reason why this could not turn into a long-term campaign, especially while the city works hard in its bid to become UK City of Culture 2025.”

In the coming weeks, a physical card is set to be delivered to all Southampton households as well as a digital version online.

Deputy Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Growth, Councillor Jeremy Moulton, said the initiative is “great for retailers and great for local residents who benefit not only from special offers but also from one off promotions of experiences that they may not normally consider.”

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