Tunbridge Wells now has its own retail mobile phone app that shows shops, exclusive deals, loyalty stamps and car park locators.

The app, Stamp It, is available on Apple and Android devices and shoppers can download it for free.

It uses the phone's in-built technology to show users a range of information during their shopping trip - it even allows them to pay for parking directly from the handset.

Developed by local business women, Gabrielle Argent and Prudence Buckley, the objectives are to boost retail trade and encourage shoppers to stay loyal to Tunbridge Wells.

Shops, cafes, restaurants and places of entertainment can participate in the scheme.

Any retailer willing to provide a loyalty scheme to reward their clientele can become part of Stamp It.

Tunbridge Wells was the first town to go live with Stamp It and businesses in the High Street have been quick to sign up to the service.

Payne & Son, Serenity Therapies, La Belle Femme, Perk & Pearl, Pour Les Femmes, Snappy Snaps, Minutemanpress and Howard Cundey were among the first to subscribe.

The idea of Stamp It is to encourage customers to take advantage of their loyalty to particular stores and discover new products and services they may not have been aware of.

Each retailer can specify their own Stamp It reward scheme for shoppers. This operates in much the same way as paper loyalty schemes but without the hassle of having to carry numerous cards.

“This is Tunbridge Wells in the palm of your hand. It’s about retailers building relationships with customers and thanking them for regular custom" - Gabrielle Argent...

Users receive an in-app stamp on their mobile devices from the retailer each time they make a purchase. Once a store’s loyalty card is completed, the customer can redeem their reward by presenting it to the relevant store.

Gabrielle Argent is a chartered Mmrketer and founder volunteer of the Tunbridge Wells Retail Group, a body of retailers who meet to discuss challenges and ideas to boost footfall, encourage membership and spread the word about initiatives in the town.

She said: “This is Tunbridge Wells in the palm of your hand. It’s about retailers building relationships with customers and thanking them for regular custom.

"Engagement on social platforms has just taken a step over the threshold. Rewards are up to each retailer taking part with a variety of goodies and deals being offered to drive loyal shoppers back in store.”

Prudence Buckley is an mobile app developer with over 70 apps listed in the app stores. She believes that the explosion in use of smart phones and mobile technology is not only useful for the user, but also for businesses wishing to reach out and connect with new and existing clients.

For more info e-mail: stampitloyaltyapp@gmail.com