SHOP locally and support small businesses this Christmas – that is the message from Warwickshire County Council (WCC).
With the county currently in a Tier 3 lockdown, an uncertain future awaits many small businesses which have already suffered a significant loss in sales and revenue due to the pandemic.
WCC leader Coun Izzi Seccombe said: “Warwickshire’s small businesses are at the heart of our communities and town centres. From your local café to the independent gift shop, don’t forget about them this Christmas.
“Many of them have faced a really tough time this year but there are lots of ways you can help out local businesses across Warwickshire this Christmas.
“Buy some of your Christmas gifts from a local maker online or in store, grab a takeaway coffee from an independent café and tell your friends and family about your favourite small businesses. Shopping local is more important now, than ever.”
The council has suggested a number of way to help local businesses this Christmas:
- During the tier 3 lockdown restrictions, continue to order takeaways from local restaurants, pubs and coffee shops. Many restaurants are also offering ‘DIY’ kits to create meals at home.
- Buy some Christmas gifts such as jewellery, ceramics, personalised illustrations and candles from a local maker. Most local businesses have online shopping and many also offer a click and collect service.
- Many local businesses are offering gift cards for future use which can help small businesses which are struggling at the moment.
- Tell friends and family about small businesses and local products, or share and tag them on your social media channels.
- Leave a review to encourage other members of the community to shop with local businesses.
WCC also offered the following reasons to shop locally:
- Many small businesses are often more eco-friendly than larger organisations as they often use locally sourced materials and recyclable packaging
- They sell handmade products, made in the local community
- Local businesses often have unique products that can’t be found anywhere else
- Shopping local often means better quality products and therefore better value for money
- By showing your support, the owners behind the small business feel recognised and valued
- Local businesses make Warwickshire’s towns and high streets unique
- Shopping local boosts the economy and helps the community to thrive
- Shopping local helps someone to achieve their dreams of running their own business
- Shopping local makes someone in the community happy
- Small businesses often go the extra mile to make their customers happy, including handwritten notes, personalised orders and packaging.
