No fewer than 25 retailers representing a cross-section of the business community have won e235 each for swiping Credit Cards over an HSBC Point of Sales (EPOS) terminal during the first week of January 2008. During this busy month, particularly due to the euro changeover and sales, HSBC is giving retailers the opportunity to participate in a weekly draw every time they swipe a card through an HSBC EPOS.

The first draw, with 25 winning businesses who transacted payments over an HSBC EPOS from January 1 to date, took place on 7 January. The winners are: GS Superstore in Naxxar; Souvenirs Shop in Gudja; Saint James Hospital in Sliema; Top End Bortex in Sliema; Mario’s Hairstylist in Fgura; The Nuance Group in Gudja; Air Malta’s Sales Office in Gudja; JB Stores in Lija; BHS in Sliema; Dorothy Perkins in Valletta; Mothercare in Sliema; Tower Supermarket in Sliema; Topline Centre in St Andrew’s; Marks and Spencer in Valletta; Medical Imaging Centre in Birkirkara; The Arches Restaurant in Mellieha; Smart Supermarket in Balzan; ARG Meats in B’Kara; The Model Shop in Iklin; Emm Enterprise in Bugibba; Monsoon Accessorize in Sliema; Zen Restaurant in St Julian’s; Wands Cash and Carry in Marsa; Scotts in Sliema; and Pizza Hut in St Julian’s.

The second draw took place on January 14 and the next draws will be on January 21 and 28. There will be 100 winners in all with a total prize fund of e23,500.

“HSBC understands that this January in particular is a hectic month for businesses as they are dealing first-hand with the adoption of the new euro currency. This initiative is another way to reward loyalty as well as strengthening HSBC’s relations with retailers,” said Brian Tortell, Head of Marketing. “EPOS machines make transactions much easier as they require no exchange on amounts due, the money is immediately credited to the shopkeepers’ bank account and without the worry of delays or robbery of cash and cheques. This initiative by HSBC is meant to reward retailers for their efforts in facilitating a smooth euro changeover.”