With more and more cases of the coronavirus reported on a daily basis, people have been urged to socially distance themselves from others and stay inside – and small businesses are taking a big hit.
In order to give back to the community and keep local business alive, The Swindonian are urging people to come out in support of their local shops and restaurants.
Most of our small, local businesses survive on consistent sales an an economic downturn such as current the current climate threatens to devastate small businesses.
We’ve put together a three reasons on why you should shop locally.
- Saving the local economy: According to weareworkforce.co.uk every £10 spent with a local independent store means £50 going back into the local economy. This means that you can indirectly make a big impact on your local community without it costing you much.
- Safeguarding local jobs: Buying locally will boost the chance that our local businesses will be able to continue long after this pandemic has passed. Shopping locally supports these businesses to keep employing your friends and neighbours.
- Local business support local charities: A lot of local charities rely on the support of local businesses. By supporting your local shops, not only are you helping your local businesses survive, but you are also increasing charitable donations.
How can you help Swindon’s local businesses
- In self-isolation and hungry, try the delivery menu at a local restaurant for lunch or dinner instead of the multi-national fast food chain – they will not miss you for one meal but your local will be appreciative.
- Purchase gift cards for birthday presents at your local suppliers – Hairdressers, Beauty Therapists, Restaurants and the Theatre will all offer gift cards.
- Shop local – online and off With all of the photos of empty shelves in Swindon’s major supermarkets there are also photos of smaller stores still holding stock of the essentials. Have you checked the local post office for loo roll? How about the corner shop for your pasta?
