Dragons’ Den backed app ParkingPerx is set to drive footfall and spending in Kendal when the innovative high street-boosting app launches on Friday (17th September).

ParkingPerx is a unique loyalty app which initially launched in Sunderland last year and rewards customers with free parking when they spend locally, offering a real boost to local economies through the promotion and reward of high street spending. 

The loyalty app will launch in partnership with Kendal BID, and is supported by South Lakeland District Council. It is designed to reunite shoppers with their favourite retailers, cafes and independent merchants to breathe life back into the local high street.  

A host of merchants are already signed up including Pedro’s Casa, Begin with Nature, No19 the Wine Bar, Garden Partea Cafe, Nigel Byrom Furniture, Edward James Furniture, Cable & Blake, Stanley’s Coffehouse, The Blind Bus Driver, Brew Brothers Cafe, Ye Olde Fleece, Rainbow Accessories, AC Gallery, Joshua Tree Bistro, Herdy, Comida, Marketplace Books, Wild Abandon, Hers & Sirs, The Moon, The Shakespeare Inn and H Hogarth.

Car parks covered by the scheme are Blackhall Road, Booths, Dowker Lane, Highgate Bowman, Library Road, Parish Church, Peppercorn, Sandes Avenue, Snowsports Club and South Lakes House.

Businesses registered with the app control how and when it is used to reward customers to suit their particular trade or customer base, making ParkingPerx a win-win solution.

Through a collaborative approach, the ParkingPerx app which has the backing of many national and local merchants, aims to help give UK high streets a huge boost, whilst rewarding shoppers and diners with free parking – a win-win for businesses and consumers. The brainchild of founder Chris Reed, and backed by BBC’s former Dragon, Jenny Campbell, the innovative app is proving to be a key driving force in tackling barriers to trade on the high street. 

Chris Reed, founder and Managing Director at ParkingPerx, said:

“We really look forward to expanding the app into Kendal this week and it has been great to see the response from both the Kendal BID team and local businesses, with a range of retailers, cafes and independent merchants signed up already.

“Post lockdown, it’s more important than ever to generate footfall on our high streets and to help boost local spending. The formula has worked really well in Sunderland and we can’t wait to roll this out further.” 

parking perx

One of the merchants signed up to the scheme is Karl Tchumak, owner of Pedro‘s Casa. He said:


“We are absolutely thrilled to come on board as one of the first businesses to back the launch of the new ParkingPerx app in Kendal. Like many, recovery post-Covid is ongoing and we are keen to support collaborative activity which increases footfall into Kendal. 

“The app is a great way to not only support Kendal businesses, but to also reward visitors whose support we really appreciate.”

Simon Thomas, Project Manager at Kendal BID, said:

“We were keen to introduce ParkingPerx to Kendal to help local businesses recover from the damage done by lockdowns and Covid. 

“Now it is more important than ever to bring shoppers back in to town to shop, eat and drink and use local services. The innovative ParkingPerx app directly rewards the people who are making a difference to our community, whether they are locals or visitors. Everyone is welcome.”

The revolutionary app has also caught the attention of The British Parking Awards which has seen ParkingPerx shortlisted for ‘Intelligent Parking Award’. The awards are presented to leading examples of parking management, technological innovation, car park design, teamwork and individual achievements.

Chris added:

“ParkingPerx is on a strong upward trajectory and with brands like Primark, M&S and Halfords on board alongside a host of fantastic independents and the backing and collaboration with local authorities and Business Improvement Districts we look forward to further growth across the UK.”

“We are absolutely delighted that ParkingPerx has been recognised and shortlisted as an innovative and collaborative approach to addressing parking within the industry and on such a prestigious national platform as The British Parking Awards.”

If you are a Kendal-based business and want to find out more about the benefits of becoming a ParkingPerx Business Partner or keep up to date with the developments at ParkingPerx please visit: www.parkingperx.com. Shoppers can download the app on the App Store or on Google Play.

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