Christmas boost for independent retailers in West Kent

The 32-page guide features ideas for bringing festive cheer to your home as well as gift suggestions for fashionistas, foodies and fitness enthusiasts, along with inspiration for innovative presents for children, the home, local art and stocking fillers.

The guide, which is being produced without charge for the retailers, features over 200 local products – all of them available at a special price for TN card members.

“The last 18 months have been uniquely challenging for the fabulous independent retailers and makers across the TN postcode. I hope this guide will encourage more of us to support local when we’re buying for our loved ones this Christmas,” explained the TN card founder, Jess Gibson, who was runner-up in the Community Champion category of the Kent Women In Business Awards 2021 and a finalist for Best Ethical Business in Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s Love Where You Live Awards 2021.

“We produced an online Christmas gift guide last year which was seen by over 10,000 people. This year I want to go one better and send beautiful, printed books to each one of our members as a personal reminder of our independent business partners and the fantastic products they offer. Copies will also be available through the TN card’s High Street partners to supplement the online guide to make as many people as possible aware of the fantastic independents we are so lucky to have in our towns and villages, and to give them local shopping inspiration this Christmas,” she added.

Donna Marshall, owner of Stampede in Camden Road, says the TN Card and its Christmas gift guide is an important boost for her independent store: "I joined the TN card last year and it has been fantastic news for my small business. As an independent I rely on the Tunbridge Wells community supporting local and the TN card is bringing together our town in a special way. I am delighted to feature in the TN card's shopping guide for a second year and to reward TN members for shopping locally this Christmas."

The TN Card was launched in February 2020 to encourage people living in Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks areas to support independent businesses. “Membership grew during lockdown as the value of local community became more important, and I have now sold over 2,000 annual memberships, and am

supporting 435 independent businesses in Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, Southborough, Sevenoaks and the surrounding villages. In addition, the scheme has raised nearly £7,000 for West Kent Mind since its launch, at a time when the charity needs support more than ever,” said Jess.

The £20 annual fee entitles members to rewards from local businesses as a thank you for supporting them – from a glass of fizz at your favourite restaurant, to money off your High Street shopping or trip to the theatre. Members also enjoy invitations and discounts to exclusive events. £2 of the annual fee is donated to mental health charity West Kent Mind.

To find out more about the TN card, visit www.thetncard.com. The gift guide will be available to download as well as sent to members and available in High Street partners on 1st December.