It’s a common misconception that local shopping is more expensive or offers less choice. On the contrary, shopping locally can be the most eco-friendly option, while helping to keep your own communities vibrant and alive.

Some good reasons to shop on your local high street are:

Local shops sell a wide range of great products at affordable prices

Many people get out of the habit of shopping locally and are then surprised by the range of products and gifts available.

Shopping local saves you money

Out of town shops have done a good job of convincing us all that local shops are expensive, but the evidence just isn’t there to back this up. If you add in travel costs, fees to transport larger items home and your time, the overall cost is often much higher.

Shopping locally retains our communities

It is really simple – use your local high street or you will lose it. People don’t want to see shops close in the town centre but don’t equate this to how they spend their money. Shops will only survive if customers spend locally – so if you want a vibrant town centre, shop locally.

Shopping local retains our distinctiveness

We are lucky across North Lincolnshire to have some great independently owned shops. They keep traditional local products alive, offer unique gift ideas and, best of all, you won’t turn up to the Christmas party wearing the same outfit as everyone else.

Shopping locally saves the environment

There’s less distance to travel, you can often get there by bus… It all helps reduce our global footprint.

Shopping locally safeguards and creates jobs

No one wants to see shops closing down on our high streets. By spending money locally you can help save jobs and prevent shops closing down.

Evidence also shows that for every £10 spent in an independent shop £25 is generated for the local economy compared to £14 spent in multinationals.

Local shops are for everyone

Most people can get to their local shops easily and this is especially important for elderly, vulnerable and young people and those without transport. Keeping your shops open by buying locally helps the whole community.

You get the best in customer service

Our local shops have a great reputation in good customer service. They’ll greet you with a smile and take the time get what you really want. Now isn’t that better?

Shopping locally saves services

Private, voluntary and public sector services cluster around shops. The loss of the high street often corresponds to a reduction in these services. As shops disappear, so do hairdressers, vets, dentists etc.