THE JOURNAL LOCAL SHOPS TAKE OVER Independent shops of Driffield tell us why shoppers should stay local and not shop with supermarkets
The local retailers of Driffield encourage shoppers to stay local The independently owned shops of Driffield tell readers how it will benefit the town to avoid supermarkets and shop with them.
Recently the independent retailers of Driffield have been pulling together to encourage local shoppers to visit them, instead of the Supermarkets when shopping within the market town. The supermarkets in Driffield include Tesco, Iceland, Aldi and Costcutter, and this array means a lot of products can be sourced solely from supermarkets. In such a small town – fruit and veg, homeware, meats, freshly made sandwiches and a varied range of other products can be found in the supermarkets alone. But why do some shoppers still dedicate their weekly shop to the supermarkets, when there are so many independent retailers adding to the town? Many of the independent retailers of Driffield’s Main Street pride themselves on high levels of customer service. Andy Rafter, the owner of Rafters Greengrocers, said “we have so many regulars walking that little bit further to come and see us because my staff will ask them about their husbands, or how last weekend was and the customers love it. You just don’t get that sort of service in the supermarkets”.
Hard at Work: Rafters team member, Gemma
Independent businesses help each other to thrive, whilst the supermarkets are disrupting this. Statistics show that 50% of the turnover of a local retailer goes back into the local community, whereas just 5% of a supermarkets turnover does. Driffield benefits as a town
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Fresh Produce: Rafters’ potato suppliers
when you choose to shop in the independent retailers. Local retailers source their produce, stationery and advertising materials locally. They purchase vehicles and have them serviced locally, and the tradesmen called in when something goes wrong will be local too. Shopping locally allows the businesses to be able to help other businesses within the town. This keeps the town alive and blossoming with retailers, meaning the number of vacant plots is kept to a minimum – which is unfortunately one of Driffield’s biggest issues. The owner of Costello’s Bakery, John Costello, told the Journal
“You just don’t get that sort of service in the supermarkets”
Fruity: Produce available at Rafters Greengrocers
Freshly Baked: John Costello stands proud within his bakery
Empty: Driffield’s local Tesco
Vacant: Empty premises in Driffield
“we’re able to adapt to the needs of the customers much faster than any supermarket is able to. I’ve just set up these tables and chairs
in the shop and bought a coffee machine. I had the idea on a Monday and by Thursday it was all up and running. Now I’ve got more
Deals: Costello’s bakery advertising whats on offer inside
customers, and people are coming in to have a drink and a cake, instead of just buying something and leaving” The independent retailers are changing and adapting all
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Far Far Away: Asparagus from Peru on sale in Tesco
“We’re able to adapt to the needs of the customers”
the time to suit the way in which people shop today. Patterns have changed drastically over time and retailers are doing all they can to keep up. Rafters Greengrocers have introduced an online service where customers can purchase boxes of various products which will be delivered to their door – with free delivery. This service isn’t restricted to Driffield either; the surrounding villages and
Bridlington are all included. Support the town of Driffield and use your independent retailers!
Thankyou: A sign in Rafters Greengrocers thanks shoppers for staying local