A brand new resource has been set up to make it easier for people to support local small businesses in the South Lakes over the next few challenging weeks.
The ‘shop small – shop local South Cumbria & South Lakes’ group on Facebook amassed almost 500 followers in its first 24 hours with a mix of small businesses and individuals all signing up.
Any small business in the South Lakes can join the group and share details of how people can continue to support them during lockdown; from whether their products or vouchers can be bought online to those providing home deliveries of essential items.
‘Shop small – shop local’ was the brainchild of Coniston shop owner, Rebecca Forsman who, like all other non-essential businesses, are being forced to close the doors of her artisan gift shop, Lakes & Country from this Thursday 5th November.
“As a business owner and consumer, I really wanted to do something to shine a light on all of our independent high street heroes,” said Rebecca. “The appetite to buy is there as I’ve had lots of people come into the shop saying they want to support local businesses like us. However, when I looked online, I realised there was no central place where people could easily find the information to do that.
“Yes, people can go onto search engines and be presented with a list of local shops, but the all-important details of whether they are trading and what they can offer during lockdown wasn’t readily available in one place. ‘Shop small – shop local’ simplifies everything for shoppers by giving them real-time information on lots of different businesses in one place as well as highlighting the best those fantastic businesses have to offer.
Despite the new lockdown hitting small businesses in the run up to the festive season, Rebecca says there is still a lot of optimism within the group as people are much more prepared than they were back in March.
“I think we all knew this second lockdown was coming, so it was less of a shock,” she said. “First time around we were all a little bit lost and everyone tried to rush online and pivot what they were offering. This time we know what we’re dealing with, which is reflected by the amount of businesses already on the group showcasing their products and services before they’ve even shut up shop.
“Now more than ever our independent businesses need public support so if we can provide people with the tools to encourage them to shop small and shop local this festive season, it could really make a big difference.”
Search ‘shop small – shop local South Cumbria and South Lakes’ on Facebook or click here to support your local high street this festive season.
