First winner of city centre loyalty scheme’s monthly prize announced

The first winner of the city centre loyalty scheme’s monthly prize has been announced

The Mi Rewards loyalty programme was launched by Stoke-on-Trent City Centre Business Improvement District to encourage people to shop locally and support their high street businesses – all whilst having the opportunity to win an incredible prize every single month.

During May, visitors, shoppers, diners, and drinkers racked up a point per every pound spent in participating businesses – much like a Tesco Clubcard – and for every 10 points earned, were awarded with an entry into the monthly prize draw, to win an overnight stay for 2 at the new Hilton Garden Inn hotel located on Smithfield, including a three-course dinner with wine, prosecco and chocolates for the room, and a sumptuous breakfast.

The winner was revealed to be Claire Roddis, age 37 from Tunstall, who says: "I love supporting my local high street anyway, particularly now, following the challenging year that local and small businesses have faced given Covid - but getting rewarded to do it is the cherry on top of the cake!"

(Claire Roddis (right) with friend Lisa (left)
who she will be sharing the prize with)

"I never usually win anything so this has come as a very pleasant surprise. I'm really excited to enjoy a staycation at the new Hilton Garden Inn along with my best friend Lisa who is a nurse at Royal Stoke and has worked all through the pandemic, as well as always being there for me no matter what.

"I'd encourage everyone to sign up for Mi Rewards. Not only will you be playing your part to help the high street thrive, but you'll have the opportunity to win big every month - like I have!"

Mi Rewards users can look forward to a prize draw every single month. Every ten points collected during the month of June will be automatically translated into an entry to win an unlimited virtual reality play pass experience for four players at XPVR, where they can experience it all and let loose on all VR equipment in-store for two hours, including gaming arenas, walk stations, flying and racing simulators, and retro gaming consoles, whilst July’s prize is eight Cineworld tickets, each consisting of an adult cinema voucher and a large sharing combo voucher (large drink and either large popcorn, nachos or hotdog).

The winner will be revealed during the first week of the following month.

Those that are interested in registering for this free city centre loyalty scheme can do so at www.mi-rewards.com/stokeontrentcitycentre, and benefit from 100 free points – that’s ten free entries into the prize draw!

City centre businesses are urging visitors to return to the high street ad encourage them to take part in the free scheme.

Steve Armstrong, owner of NØRTH Kitchen + Bar and Klay Pizzeria, said: "We are proud to be part of a network of city centre businesses offering Mi Rewards to their customers.

"The more we can encourage people to shop and dine in the city centre and its businesses, the better for our high street and economy, which in turn has a positive impact on everyone who visits, lives and works here."

He added: "Just pay your bill using your registered debit or credit card and the points will automatically rack up."

Marcela Hoxhaj, owner of Italian restaurant La Bella Napoli, said: "La Bella Napoli is extremely pleased to be welcoming visitors again. We have joined the Mi Rewards loyalty scheme so that those who dine with us receive points with every purchase.

"It's a lovely way to ensure that our customers know that we appreciate their loyalty, and to give something back to local residents."

Other Stoke-on-Trent businesses which have signed up to the scheme include Bloom, Goodwins Jewellers, Restaurant Family, The Sugarmill, Stoke City Football Club Store, Waves Car Wash, The Potteries Museum and The Quarter, to name just a few.

Jonathan Bellamy, chairman of Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID, said: "Loyalty is one of the most important attributes for a strong community, and never more needed than in our day and age.

"Hundreds of city centre businesses and thousands of local jobs depend on local people to use their services and buy from them so we are excited to champion this city centre loyalty scheme, through which local people can actively show that they support our businesses."