Why we must support our high streets – #supportlocal

By now, our high streets would start to be thronged with people wanting to get ahead with their festive shopping.
People are being urged to #supportlocal in the run-up to ChristmasPeople are being urged to #supportlocal in the run-up to Christmas
People are being urged to #supportlocal in the run-up to Christmas

Christmas markets would be popping up, bringing with them their distinctive sights, sounds and smells.

And the traditional turning on of the main Christmas lights would set our faces aglow.

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But the countdown to Christmas 2020 will be like no other. There remains a bumpy ride ahead as we navigate our second national lockdown.

By the time it ends the first doors of the advent calendar will already be open.

Through all the challenges the pandemic has brought we have gained some valuable lessons. We have learned to appreciate each other more and do what we can to help those in need.

And among those most in need in the coming weeks are the local businesses who have had to close their doors again just as they were starting to get back on their feet. Although the shutters may be down on their bricks and mortar shops their online tills are still open.

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That is why today we step up our #supportlocal campaign once more to encourage you to use the virtual high streets of our local and independent traders when it comes to your Christmas shopping during lockdown.

So as we cope with life back in lockdown and long Christmas lists to tick off now is the time to act.

And rather than use the big, all-consuming e-commerce platforms we are urging you to widen your searches further – it is too easy to complete your online shopping in one stop. But our smaller local traders will miss out – despite offering a tantalising array of great ideas and local gifts – and these are the traders needing your help.

In the coming weeks, under our #supportlocal banner, we will be championing the trusted local traders you can support because they operate online stores, offer click-and-collect services or remain able to trade.

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For many retailers, these past few months have been the most difficult they have faced which is why it’s never been more important to support our local shops.

The timing of the lockdown could not have been worse for local businesses. It is in this critical run-up to Christmas that many of them make enough money to sustain them throughout the year.

Back our businesses in person where the rules allow or using their own online or takeaway services. If we don’t, there will be no high street to come back to after lockdown and many more local jobs will be lost.

We may be locked down and our town and village centres largely off limits, but for savvy Christmas shoppers, make sure you #supportlocal for great-value festive treats.