Braintree District Council is calling on Braintree district residents to shop local online in the run-up to Christmas.
The Shop Local online this Christmas campaign, launched by Braintree District Council, is focused on encouraging shoppers to support independent businesses and traders across the Braintree district online this Christmas and beyond, in a bid to spark a wave of online spending with local retailers during the national lockdown.
With the current coronavirus restrictions, many local businesses have worked hard to adapt their services so customers can continue shopping with them – such as via their websites or social media channels, click and collect and takeaway services.
You can view the campaign video on Braintree District Council’s YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/DDnfEP-LW44
Braintree District Council has created a dedicated Facebook Group for businesses and shoppers, where businesses are encouraged to promote their products and shoppers have a chance to shop local online in the comfort of their own home: https://www.facebook.com/groups/shoplocalinthebraintreedistrict
Richard Sambridge, owner of The Natural Way said, "We are small independent health shop based on the high street in Braintree. I support the council in encouraging local people, to shop locally this Christmas in and around Braintree, because it showcases how many good independent businesses there are in the district who are doing everything possible to keep going.”
Councillor Tom Cunningham, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Infrastructure, said that the Council wants to support businesses. “For many businesses, Christmas is their busiest time so with the second lockdown now in place, it’s important we support them as much as we can, and one way is to shop local with them online. Shopping local means money is kept in the local economy – supporting jobs and local families, so this year when you are thinking about Christmas presents for friends and family, browse and explore some of the wonderful businesses we do have across the district and what they are offering online. These businesses are the heart of our towns and communities and we need them to still be there for us in the future. They need our support now more than ever. The pound in our pocket has never been more valuable. ”
Local businesses have been provided with social media materials to take part in the campaign which feature local businesses including The Natural Way in Braintree, Bluebell Boutique in Witham and Willow & Grey in Halstead. Businesses can also add their own free listing to promote their business on the Visit Braintree District website.
Any business who wants to take part to request the resources and be added to the website can email tourism@braintree.gov.uk.