It is important now more than ever to do our part to help businesses rebuild from the coronavirus pandemic by shopping local.
From popping into a local family-run bakery for a loaf of bread, or buying a unique gift from an independent shop, by shopping locally people can help local business owners and local communities get back up and running.
Here are 8 reasons why customers should visit the high street over the big brand names:
- Help the high-street and local economy
Shopping at local businesses pumps money into the local economy, and by spending money in their local shop, restaurant, café or pub, shoppers can do their bit to aid the national recovery.
- Save jobs – and even create more
Supporting our high streets creates jobs in local communities, supporting often young and disadvantaged people to find employment. Helping to grow the number of jobs in our local areas makes for a better place to live and work, which then creates a healthy economy for the community.
- Great deals
People might be surprised to see just how competitive the prices are in your local shops. Independent retailers often reward regular customers, while others often provide great deals that can’t be found at larger outlets.
- Preserving the heart of the community
A thriving high street is a key to boosting the potential of a village or town where people can socialise as well as shop. Local businesses also generate revenue to support council services such as libraries, parks and roads that benefit communities across the UK.
- Spoilt for choice
Small and local businesses often stock items that are made locally and aren’t available elsewhere, providing a great range of choice and unique products that bring much-needed originality and variety into communities – including rare finds and items that aren’t mass-produced.
- A better shopping experiences
Small businesses are often run by people who live nearby. As the UK continues to recover from the pandemic, the experience of buying locally from a friendly face offers a dose of normality that many people may have missed.
- Help the environment
Local shops will often source their good locally, helping to reduce their carbon footprint. When shopping local, people are also more likely to walk or cycle to get there – doing their bit to reduce air pollution, reduce traffic and improve the quality of the nation’s high street.