FAQs
Join Wedge Now!
A little bit lost? Here are all your questions answered.
If we have missed something please contact us
Can I use my Wedge Card in other areas?
Yes you can use it in any participating shop or business country-wide.
Why is the Wedge Card free in some areas and not others?
Many organisations and associations have sponsored Wedge to connect their communites with Wedge Card. Normally the Card costs £10 but in the areas that have been sponsored, it is free. To view the Wedged-up areas click here. If Wedge is not in your area and you would like it to be, why not let your local council know?
What if I don't have internet access, do I still have access to news and offers?
We send out a quarterly newsletter to Wedge Card holders and associations who do not have internet access. This newsletter includes local news and events, shop special offers and vouchers. Also, look out for the little black window stickers in participating shops and ask in-store for special offers. Anybody interested in Wedge can always call us for further information, and can also ask our partners who will share information about Wedge.
What about people who can't afford to renew their card?
We want membership of the scheme to remain as high as possible. Wedge will be exploring various ways of discounting membership costs for those who need help when their free membership has lapsed.
How does the scheme support the local economy?
Research shows that half of the money spent with independent retailers is returned to the local economy, through further local buying and employment. Whereas as little as 5% is returned to the local economy by the larger chains (New Economics Foundation).
Why would retailers give discounts when they are already up against it?
- To build a strong customer base and repeat business increases profitability.
- Offers will not all be cash discounts -- there are many imaginative ways to give incentives to customers to use local shops.
- The scheme will provide small businesses with an important boost to help them trade through and ultimately out of the recession.
What other schemes are there?
Small schemes have been established elsewhere in the country, and Wedge has established a number of smaller schemes in London, but Wedge Card in Kensington and Chelsea is the largest scheme of its kind in the country - indeed we don't know of a larger scheme anywhere in the world.
Do residents support this scheme?
- We know that residents value the richness that small retailers bring to shopping areas and high streets.
- This scheme provides a way for residents to support local retailers and to benefit from the offers available.
- Over 40,000 people have already signed up to Wedge in other parts of London
- We expect enthusiastic take-up.
Do retailers support this scheme?
- Large numbers of retailers have benefited from the other Wedge schemes that have been established all over London.
- The support that Wedge provides helps local retailers to work out how their particular business can benefit from the scheme.
Why is £5 of each Wedge Card sold given to charities in other areas and only £1 is given to charities in the RoyalBorough?
In areas where we have supported in the past we have tailored different Wedge models to not only the community, but to Wedge as a business. The money which goes to sustaining the Wedge scheme will ultimately benefit the local shops and businesses.
