Horsham people urged: ‘call your local business - see how you can support them’

And this week the County Times is stepping up our campaign calling on all our readers to #supportlocal in the run-up to Christmas, and backing the district council’s virtual shopping portal.

It’s a vital time of year for so many traders in our high streets, and while some esesential retailers are able to keep their doors open, others have focused their attentions online to ensure they can continue to reach customers.

Dominic Sakakini, owner of Sakakini Jewellers in the Carfax warned if residents don’t buy locally they could be faced with tumbleweeds rolling across a ‘deserted’ town.

He said: “Call your local business, talk to them and see how you can support them.

“We desperately need the support of the people of Horsham. Without that Horsham potentially will be a ghost town.”

Dominic said closure orders will see bars and restaurants lose out on ‘phenomenal amounts’ of money at a vital period of the year.

He said many firms rely on strong trading in November and December to see them through until March.

Despite the closure Dominic said he will be keeping his phone lines open seven days a week and is urging customers to get in touch.

He added his workshop will still be operating, and that by the time restrictions are lifted in December it will be too late for him to complete bespoke items for Christmas. He said if necessary he would deliver presents directly to people’s homes. He added: “I will be the St Nicholas of Horsham.”

Dominic told the County Times he still plans to take donations to the Salvation Army’s Christmas appeal at his shop. He said charities have been hit hard by coronavirus restrictions and that he wanted to help. Businesses all over Horsham District have been adapting to overcome the challenges posed by the second lockdown.

Lynda Spain, economic development officer at Horsham District Council, said 32 businesses in Henfield have pulled together to offer ‘Henfield Hampers’ to showcase their products.

She said: “There’s going to be a digital brochure of hampers. They’re going to be a range from £5 to £100 in cost.”

There will be various different hampers on offer including a ‘pamper hamper’ which will have a range of beauty products and vouchers inside. Lynda said it is hoped the vouchers will encourage people to visit Henfield as restrictions ease. She added: “It’s a brilliant idea. It’s absolutely fantastic how those local traders have just pulled together and organised this.”

Businesses are sharing out delivery responsibilities with ‘everybody doing their bit, said Lynda. Care has been taken to ensure the hampers are sustainable with them being made from cardboard rather than plastic as much as possible.

Lynda added: “The innovation is so heartening. Businesses are really desperate and struggling and upset. They’re really, really trying everything to keep going.It’s heartwarming and moving really.It’s one of the most positive things to come out of covid seeing the way people are working together now.”

One retailer who has launched a box is Rushfields Plant Centre which, as an essential business, is staying open during lockdown.

Lynda said: “If we all just think about it that little bit more we can buy local.

“It just takes a little bit more thought.”

For more see https://www.henfieldbn5.co.uk/latest-news/henfield-hampers-for-christmas/