7 reasons to #ShopLocal and Keep it in the borough

Reasons why customers should visit the high street this week.

1. Help the high street and support our local economy

Shopping at local businesses pumps money into the local economy, and by spending money in their local shop, restaurant, café or pub, shoppers can do their bit to aid our local recovery following the pandemic.

2. Save jobs - and create even more

Supporting our high streets creates jobs in the local community supporting often young and disadvantaged people to find employment. Helping to grow the number of jobs in our local areas makes for a better place to live and work, which then creates a healthy economy for the community.

3. Great deals

People might be surprised to see just how competitive the prices are in your local shops. Independent retailers often reward regular customers, while others often provide great deals that can't be found in major outlets - meaning people save money as they spend.

4. Preserving the heart of the community

A thriving high street is key to boosting the potential of a town where people can socialise as well as shop. Local businesses also generate revenue to support council services such as libraries, parks and roads that benefit communities across the UK.

5. Spoilt for choice

Small and local businesses often stock items which are made locally and aren't available elsewhere else, providing a great range of choice and unique products that bring much-needed originality and variety into communities - including rare finds and items that aren't mass produced.

6. A better shopping experience

Small businesses are often run by people who live nearby. As the borough continues to recover from the pandemic, the experience of buying locally from a friendly face offers a dose of normality that many people may have missed.

7. Help the environment

Local shops often source their goods locally, helping to reduce their carbon footprint. When shopping local, people are also more likely to walk or cycle to get there - doing their bit to reduce air pollution, reduce traffic and improve the quality of the nation's high streets.