Lockdown has been fraught with stresses and strains on most of us. However one of the main groups to suffer is our local shop and business owners. Many have gone under due to forced closures during lockdown as they have still had to grapple with high lease costs.
So what can we do to help?
Shop Local….
Instead of buying from major supermarket, department stores or Amazon, check out what your local shops and boutiques have to offer and help them stay afloat.
The Reason Why….
Shopping local helps build communities. They are our friends, family and neighbours. Without realising it buying a sweater from a local boutique’s shop (or web shop during lockdown) will line that mother’s pockets so she can afford to put food on the table. You may not think you know her but more than likely she is a friend or relative of someone you know. There is only six degrees of separation after all.
The high street will become extinct. It is sad to see so many high streets with boarded up shops and it is so much nicer walking through your local town or village and there is an abundance of people and hive of activity. If we don’t support our local businesses our local high streets will disappear too. Plus, if you are a homeowner and have a thriving high street, it will add value to your property as it shows your area is popular.
It’s better for the environment too. Shopping locally cuts down fuel costs and reduces your carbon footprint. You can also be safe in the knowledge that local shops source local products so you are helping your surrounding area too and cutting down transportation costs in the whole production line of getting your products to your door.
If that doesn’t convince you then you are also ten times more likely to get a much better service with local businesses who genuinely care about the community and their customers.
It will help the UK. Now we have left the EU there are huge levys on certain European products. Shopping locally will help bolster OUR country and help us pay back money into OUR coffers so taxes don’t rise too much in the next budget.
Well, hopefully not too much.
