A brand new scheme has launched in the historic Darwen Market to help transform it for the digital age. Card payments company Square, which was founded in California by Jack Dorsey, has teamed up with the Heart of Darwen and the Darrener to bring new technology to the town that will increase the number of businesses accepting cards. It is hoped the project will attract new shoppers and ease the business’ reliance on cash.
The project was officially launched this week with the dedicated site Square.com/Darwen and training and sign up sessions for business owners. Darwen Market is home to more than 30 independent businesses with many more in the surrounding town. Before the initiative began, over 95% of the market’s stalls didn’t take cards. More than 30 businesses in and around the town are already up and running with Square, with more to follow.
The case for card payments is compelling – research by Square showed that 81% of people would shop more locally if they knew a business took cards. Cash is going out of fashion, with 44% of Brits carrying less than £10 in cash and only 13% of people using a cash machine more than once a month. Darwen has seen four banks close in the town over the last two years.
Michael Lau from Square UK said: “Darwen Market and town centre has a fantastic range of independent businesses which give the town its character and personality. This scheme will allow shops and market traders to start accepting cards, many for the first time ever. It’s a great example how 21st century technology can help this 19th century market hall to thrive.
“At Square we’re committed to helping businesses access technology easily, quickly and affordably. When the Heart of Darwen project approached us and explained the work they were doing, we felt their purpose was perfectly aligned with ours and we were excited to join the campaign.”
The scheme has been created especially for Darwen and will provide local businesses with an affordable and easy way to take card payments. Square is providing all businesses with a free credit and debit card reader and its Dock, worth £58+VAT. It is also providing free processing credit for the first £1,000 of transactions made by businesses, along with dedicated training and marketing support. The Square Reader pairs with a mobile phone or tablet to take card payments quickly, easily, and affordably for the merchant. Businesses get their money the next working day as standard, and can pay a fee to make use of Square’s Instant Deposit feature.
Liam Dargan, founder of community initiative Heart of Darwen, said: “We know that shoppers aren’t carrying as much cash these days. After conducting research with The Darrener, we realised that many of the businesses in town were still cash-only. Younger demographics often don’t carry any cash at all, and with two high schools/colleges in the town centre, it’s even more important that we encourage them to spend money locally.
“Realising that more businesses needed to start taking card payments, I approached Square to ask if they would be help by providing their card readers to Darwen’s businesses free of charge. They agreed, and I’m excited to be partnering with them to roll out the technology to shops and stalls across the town. We’ve got more initiatives in the pipeline so hopefully these will continue to make a positive impact on the town and it’s businesses.”
Becca Greenhalgh, owner of local Darwen business The Sweet Shop, started taking cards with Square earlier this summer, having previously been cash-only. She said:, “Since I bought the Sweet Shop two years ago, I’ve definitely found that less and less people are carrying cash. People want to pay by card, and it’s important that small businesses in the market and the town adapt to this change.
“Having Square on board has made such a huge difference to my business – alongside the sweet shop, we’ve launched a tea room so we’re now able to upsell other products too. It’s a really positive move to be able to get customers back spending in local shops.”