Column in Glamorgan Star:
Shop Big in Small Shops
This Saturday is the busiest shopping day of the year. It is Small Business Saturday – meaning that we are doing all possible to encourage shoppers to back local independent shops and traders on our High Streets.
Barry and the Vale has so much to offer. The High Streets in Barry, Llantwit and Cowbridge have an excellent choice and great service.
The range of shops, cafés, bars, restaurants and other attractions are a magnet to visitors. As local residents, we should also do all possible to support the independent traders to keep our High Streets special. The service available, choices on offer and Christmas atmosphere is unique.
This entrepreneurial spirit was also seen in its most prominent form at the Cowbridge Makers Market in the Town Hall last week as well as the Christmas craft fair in Llantwit last Saturday. There was an exceptional range of choices available, from talented local residents, that are ideal for Christmas gifts - from handcrafted Christmas decorations to individual Christmas cards and babies clothing.
Small Business Saturday UK is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign, which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to 'shop local' and support small businesses in their communities. I have been touring the Vale this week and promoting what small businesses have to offer on my Facebook page. Hopefully by underlining the buzz around our local High Streets, our first instinct will be to shop local.
After speaking to local traders it has amazed me how they adapted so well during Covid and how successfully they have come through the pandemic. It is amazing to see so few empty premises. This is due to the support of local people that has continued all year round.
When we couldn’t travel during the Covid lockdown, it was our local traders that kept us going. This is our chance to support them. Prioritising local traders over city centres and supermarkets would be a great way to show them our appreciation.
Let’s use this day to Shop Big in Small Shops.
