Shopping locally has never been more important or appreciated

A change is afoot in our personal shopping habits according to new research – and local, independent specialists are set to benefit.

Demand for neighbourhood shopping has soared in the pandemic. According to newly released figures by the Local Data Company, a total of 31,405 independent units opened in 2020. Furthermore, a survey by Barclaycard found that nine out of ten people who have begun shopping locally will continue to do so.

We are not surprised. Independent, local retailers invariably know their customers by name, are well-informed about what they sell and, perhaps most importantly, the local community is in their DNA. They support, sponsor and donate to local causes. They get it. Many of you reading this will have benefitted from their generosity and expertise – keep up the support.

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