Businesses ‘appy’ as loyalty scheme attracts new customers

Businesses in the Cathedral Quarter and St Peters Quarter Business Improvement Districts have praised a new money-saving app for attracting new customers.

Launched last month, the free LoyalFree app promotes money-off deals, local events and interactive listings.

Since its launch, hundreds of visitors to both BIDs have downloaded the app, unlocking discounts and deals from shops, cafes, restaurants, and bars.

LoyalFree also gives visitors the chance to discover new interactive trails, find local events and enter exclusive competitions in the area.

The latest competition gives customers the chance to win £50 worth of shopping vouchers for a business of their choice in either the Cathedral Quarter or St Peters Quarter.

Once downloaded onto a smartphone, the app gives people have access to a host of individual offers and discounts by way of a simple QR code scan, allowing people to make the most of their shopping experience, while supporting local businesses.

According to businesses in both areas, the app has proven “invaluable” in attracting – and keeping – new customers.

Brad Worley, BID manager for the Cathedral Quarter and St Peters Quarter, said: “It has been a great success. With such pressures on household budgets right now, it’s good to be able to help visitors to the two BID areas make their money go further.

“It is also a marvellous opportunity for businesses in these two vibrant areas of Derby to showcase their offerings to a wider audience.

“I encourage more people to download it – it’s a brilliant opportunity. As we develop use of the app further, we’ll be adding more offers, so it really is worth downloading and getting involved.”

The newest interactive trail that has been added to the app is the Halloween Trail in St Peters Quarter.

The spooky trail encourages visitors to move around the BID area to 15 different businesses where a poster is displayed with a unique QR code.

The aim is to scan all 15 QR codes so the user can cast a spell to help Wanda the Witch find her beloved cat.

Each time a QR code is scanned, visitors are entered into a prize draw to win a large goodie hamper created by businesses in the area.

The app is free to register and use and can be downloaded by visiting www.loyalfree.co.uk.