How to support independent businesses in Hastings and St Leonards

Amazing Hastings, a not-for-profit venture, provides contact details for a whole range of businesses specialising in areas from household goods to books and music.

The aim of the website is to encourage people to shop locally, particularly at such a difficult time for independent traders who may be struggling to survive the Covid-19 pandemic. The current second national lockdown, so close to Christmas, has also posed an additional problems for many of these businesses.

Louise Hersee, who created the new website, said: “We all know that times are hard right now, but imagine trying to run a small business, and support your family, and keep a roof over your head in this climate.

“It may be very easy to jump online and click ‘buy now’ from the big players, but it is vital that we demonstrate support for our local retailers now in order that we don’t lose them from our town.

“Local retailers know their trade, know their customers, and value us.”

Louise has broken the website down into a range of categories, including household and DIY, food, computer and electrical goods, clothing, local artists and craft supplies and books and music.

Each section includes a list of local independent businesses you can support, including contact details and some information about what each trader provides.

Louise also has plans to create lists for businesses in Hastings and St Leonards supporting children, those providing flowers, and also local charities.

For more information about shopping local, visit amazinghastings.com.