PayPoint is working to overcome issues that would allow independent retailers to support people in their communities that may be struggling with the cost of living crisis.
The services provider announced that it has partnered with redemption product provider Appreciate Group to help provide vulnerable people with emergency support if needed.
The support involves issuing emergency ‘e-codes’ for the Love2shop Essentials Range that can be used to help people purchase products across the food, clothing and electrical categories.
However, the e-codes for food are only redeemable in Asda, Sainsbury’s and Tesco rather than the network of 28,000 convenience stores that PayPoint works with.
When questioned about this by ConvenienceStore.co.uk, a PayPoint spokesperson said that it was working on a solution to get independent retailers involved.
“Including independent retailers in the new Love2shop Essentials Range scheme is a challenge we are actively and positively working on to overcome. It is vital that for the scheme to run successfully, a consistent system for issuing, redeeming and reconciling digital e-Codes is in place. This will ensure local stores and their communities both benefit.”
The spokesperson added that government-issued emergency support funds are delivered by independent retailers.
“It is important to remember that the vast majority of the emergency support funds issued by government are delivered via our total network of 28,000 retailer partners, of which 18,000 are independents. In the past year, our retailer network has distributed nearly £100m via our Cash Out service and the new Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Payment Exception Service. Much of this gets spent immediately in-store upon redemption, in turn supporting sales for our independent retail store partners and offering convenience for those most in need.”
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