10 reasons to shop locally

keeping those important independents retailers trading

Wherever you live in the UK, there will always be local businesses on your High Street. This could be a Coffee Shop, Home & Gift Shop, Florist, Bakers or even a Fashion Boutique. Shopping locally instead of with the major Chain Stores has so many advantages for both the local economy and giving the customer that all important memorable shopping experience, which will make the customer return in the future.

The need to improve your local economy

Local businesses are the backbone of the High Street. They improve the local economy and have done so for many years. Shopping on your High Street is much better for the economy of your community. It brings a local neighbourhood together and shopping on a Saturday afternoon in your local High Street can be stressful than hitting the Chain stores in a city.

The need to create jobs for local people

Shopping and using a local businesses means they can employ local people which has a positive effect on the health of local jobs and the community. By helping to grow the number of jobs in your area makes for a better place to live.

It creates a warm character and personality

The advantage of dealing with independent businesses it that they are run by people who live in the local area. Shoppers will find that the business/shops add character to the community with a warm and welcoming personality.

That all important memorable shopping experience

While many chain stores do have good customer service, it’s memorable to have that personal touch of a local owner who takes an interest in you and the community. The relationship between customer and the local business is improved and goes further than just the purchase. Local shops quite often stock something that cannot be found in major chains. Independents are thinking about their own customer’s choices rather than national fashion trends.

Your health and the environment

There is definitely a positive impact on the environment by shopping locally. If you can walk to your High Street rather than drive, then this reduces the dilemma and stress of finding a parking space. Naturally walking has more health benefits and will certainly reduce traffic and air pollution.

It creates originality and individuality

In a world that is becoming increasingly dominated by chain stores, and on-line, independent businesses bring much-needed originality. It is so vital that local shops to have good window displays and in-store presentation. It is just as important to keep that “wow” factor to attract the passing customer. They can be a real breath of fresh air ensuring that the shop is refreshed regularly with its window display and even the merchandise. By employing a professionally trained visual merchandiser, the shop owner can then focus on sourcing new and exciting merchandise.

Help to create the identity

Some local businesses will help shape the identity of the area. A high street filled with unique, vibrant, and colourful shops will attract more footfall and help to make the community a more popular and financially healthier area in which to live and work. Is On-Line the future of retailing? While many people shopped on-line during the pandemic, this is the time now to revisit those independent retailers and shop in-store. It is paramount to keep these independents on our High Streets, so now is the time to support them and get your High Street buzzing again.

Those budding entrepreneurs

There are so many independent shops that have started from scratch. For some of these owners, this is a complete career change, so choosing to shop locally encourages them with their business and they are more than happy to deal with your shopping requirements. By supporting your local businesses, you are helping to support local entrepreneurs who grow their business. Examples are The Langport Stores, Langport, Somerset, Edit Lifestyle in Petts Wood, Kent and Aida in Shoreditch, London.