A new reward scheme and online shopping platform will soon be available to shoppers in Ashby and North West Leicestershire.

From Thursday, March 3, businesses across the district will be taking part in two new schemes for customers to reap rewards and browse products online with their favourite high street shops.

The two schemes, which are led by North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC), are being trialled free of charge to businesses for 12 months using the Government's Welcome Back Fund.

Digital High Street by ShopAppy

ShopAppy.com's Digital High Street will be available to customers to find and support local shops in Coalville and Ashby, and allow them to browse services, book appointments and buy products online.

The online service also gives shoppers extra flexibility with click and collect or home delivery options.

In total, 62 businesses have signed up to the scheme including Coalville's Elizabeth Grace Hair Salon, Kat's Antiques and the Flower Garden.

Ashby businesses include Indulgent Chocolates, Norths Deli and the Lyric Rooms.

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Hex Card by Reward-it

A district-wide loyalty scheme from Reward-It, called Hex is also being rolled out, allowing customers to collect points on purchases and redeem them for rewards using either a smartphone app or their own free physical Hex card.

Customers can collect their cards at participating retailers or from the Customer Services desk at NWLDC.

So far, shoppers can collect points in 50 businesses across the district including the Coal Bunker in Coalville, Berry Fields Florist in Measham and Sweet Memory Lane in Ashby.

A full list of participating businesses for both schemes and details on how to sign up can be found HERE.

Councillor Tony Gillard, Portfolio Holder for Business at NWLDC, said: "These schemes come at a crucial time when businesses are starting to find their feet again after facing challenges posed by COVID-19 restrictions.

"As we emerge from the pandemic, it's likely that people will still feel some uncertainty around COVID-19 so it's great to be able to offer shoppers a hassle-free online shopping experience whilst continuing to support our local businesses.

"We're confident that these new schemes will help many of our local shops to recover from the pandemic and help to safeguard the community by giving residents the option to shop online."

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Nicki Worthington, owner at the Coal Bunker in Coalville, said: "As a new business in Coalville, it's great to be a part of a scheme that can help to give us the best start possible.

"We look forward to welcoming everyone through the doors and seeing repeat customers build rewards on their purchases."