ShopLK reaches a record-breaking €5.7m in 2023

ShopLk, Letterkenny’s gift card initiative experienced another record-breaking year in 2023 reaching a huge milestone.

The gift card reached €5,740,277 in sales last year which is a steady increase on previous years.

“Each year since our ShopLK gift cards were launched, we have been delighted with the increasing sales levels, however this increase of 41% is stunning and far exceeded all our expectations,” Fionnuala Rabbitt, Chamber President said.

“We have seen corporate sales increase year after year as businesses increasingly chose the ShopLK Gift Card as a reward for their employees and each year we welcome new corporate customers from around the county recognising that employees use Letterkenny as their main retail centre.

“Corporate sales are only part of the success story. The office and the pop-up shop in The Courtyard Shopping centre were busier than ever right up to Christmas eve and throughout the year the support of Dress Me Ireland is invaluable to the scheme.”

ShopLK, was established in 2004 as a local shopping initiative by the Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce and since moving to gift card in 2015 sales have risen annually. In 2022, the sales totalled over 4 million and the year previous (2021) seen over 3 million in sales.

The ShopLk gift card can be used at 254 outlets across Letterkenny. As the vouchers are only redeemable in Letterkenny the initiative supports the local economy as the town benefits financially and local employment is supported. 

Additionally, there could be a potential injection of up to €20 million because records indicate that at least one-third of ShopLK cardholders frequently spend up to four times the value. 

“ShopLK is about promoting Letterkenny as a retail destination and the commercial hub of the County,” Toni Forrester Letterkenny Chamber CEO shared.

“Being a ShopLK member gives businesses another promotional platform and encourages them to increase their own brand awareness and stand out in a competitive market.

“We also pay thanks to the many businesses and customers who buy the cards in their thousands. By buying the ShopLK Gift cards they are benefitting the domestic economy directly and giving back not just to their employees but also to the local community.”