A district-wide loyalty scheme and online shopping platform are the driving force behind a surge of sales for Coalville area businesses, says North West Leicestershire District Council.

Two schemes launched by the council three months ago have been helping to boost purchases at local businesses.

The Hex loyalty scheme and ShopAppy.com's Digital High Street launched in March this year and have so far racked up over £34,000 worth of purchases and loyalty points at participating businesses.

More than 100 shops in Coalville and Ashby are available the website and over 50 businesses across the district have signed up to the Hex loyalty scheme.

Customers can use both the schemes at www.shopappy.com to browse and buy products online and can also earn points and redeem them for rewards at participating retailers.

The two schemes are being trialled free of charge to businesses for 12 months, which will come to an end in December, using the Government's Welcome Back Fund.

Digital High Street is currently only available for businesses in Coalville and Ashby, whilst the Hex loyalty scheme is district-wide.

Businesses can sign up by emailing [email protected]  

Cllr Tony Gillard, Portfolio Holder for Business at NWLDC, said: "It's great to see customers making use of the schemes and supporting local retailers.

"By giving customers the option to shop online or in person at local businesses, we're still supporting that local approach and helping businesses to diversify along the way.

 "Our town centres are starting to thrive again thanks in part to these initiatives, and I would encourage all businesses to make use of the free trial before it ends in December."

A full list of participating businesses for both schemes can be found HERE.