5 Great Reasons to Shop Local This Easter

With Easter just days away and half of the UK off for Easter break already - this is the time to hop local and discover local shops where you are or where you are visiting. There are so many reasons to shop local this Easter but here are our top 5 reasons to shop local this Easter - whether you are looking for a chocolate treat, an Easter hamper, a unique event or a nice meal out, local high streets have it all. So this Easter, please hop local. We are pretty sure the Easter bunny insists on it. 

1. You’ll be helping your local economy

When you choose to spend locally, you can be sure that more of your spend stays in your local area, supporting businesses, local jobs and local suppliers - including farmers, makers, producers and more. According to research by Visa and Cebr, 38p in every £1 stays local when you spend local. That's better than the pennies that might drip through from shopping with the giants. This Easter, Brits are predicted to spend over £1.7 billion at Easter on gifts, treats, food and experiences. Now imagine if nearly 40% of that was spent in high streets and in small local businesses instead of with the giants? So this Easter, please hop local and know you are doing more than getting an Easter Egg or some craft materials, you are investing in your community too.

2. You’ll be supporting local businesses when they most need it

It's been a tough couple of years, and just as we emerge from the lockdowns, and businesses begin to recover, costs are going up for us all!  That means that it is harder than ever for local businesses. But how much harder would it be for you, if your local shops and services were not nearby? The last thing we need is to have to drive to places or to get deliveries when we should be kinder to our pockets and the planet. Local businesses love it when you pop in too.  So if you have less to spend, spend your money wisely so it makes you feel good. Your local spend will raise a smile and help to support a family business or simply keep a business going through tough times. With a third of local businesses worried about debt since the pandemic, every penny, every pound, every fiver, every tenner will have a positive impact and increase their chances of success. We feel so appreciative of family businesses that have stepped up, adapted and kept going, serving their communities through the most challenging times, that we are asking you to nominate your favourite family business here. Spend is great, but also like them on their socials, share their posts, give them a positive review and nominate them in our UK wide competition. Remind them why they do what they do and how much you appreciate them for it.

3. It’s kinder to the planet, more sustainable and more ethical

Local shops know where their products come from, they usually bought them personally or know their trusted supplier. More local businesses are buying from local suppliers, producers and makers as it makes business and environmental sense. This means that the products you buy, especially if you go and get them in person, leave far less of a carbon footprint. Knowing where products come from is important, because a gift this Easter will not taste quite as sweet if it was made in a factory with poor working conditions. The way we spend is a vote for the kind of world we want to live in. So shopping closer to home is actually a global decision. Many local businesses use far less packaging on their goods than national retailers. You can even find a growing number of local shops offering products with zero packaging, zero waste and sustainable eco gifts. You can discover some of the best products on ShopAppy or visit ShopLocalOnline.org

4. You’ll find one-off products that aren’t on Amazon

We always talk about the fact that gifts with more thought, are locally bought. But it isn't just about your thoughts. When you buy from a local gift shop, many of their items may have been made by them or local crafters - a lot of thought and love would have gone into them. Local independent shops and market stalls are a great place to find one-of-a-kind handmade items, one off experiences, unique or limited edition items... So whether it is a bespoke, handcrafted Easter egg, a designer table setting, a workshop with your friend, a new piece of art or a unique Easter bouquet, you will have a guaranteed wow factor with your purchase.

Your local shops are THE place to find an amazing choice and it's far more entertaining to visit them online or in person than a warehouse. 

5. You get personalised advice and better customer service

This time of year, and more so after what we have all missed over the last few years, it is good to feel special and do our best. Local shopkeepers are so good at giving us advice, whether it is honest feedback on your Easter bonnet ;-), or advise on the best pamper hamper to put together for a relative or best friend, they are happy to help. The best thing is that they are passionate about what they sell and the service you receive - so whatever you need this Easter, hop local for an altogether more personal experience that you will value.

Shop local this Easter

So there you have it… 5 great reasons to shop local this Easter and help support your local community

It has never been more important to shop local. That’s why we created our platform in 2016 to bring your local shops and businesses together in one place, making it easier than ever to spend your money where your heart is. Start browsing your local shops and find everything you need for Easter 2022. If ShopAppy is not in your area yet - you can try ShopLocalOnline.org too. Happy Easter!!