Tameside shoppers encouraged to use local stores

Shoppers in Tameside are being urged to 'do their bit' and take part in Shop Local Week, as a way of helping local businesses to rebuild amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The message comes from Tameside Council as part of the government's Enjoy Summer Safely campaign, which is encouraging people to get back to the way of life they have missed but whilst making sure to follow all of the safety guidelines that are in place. 

Shop Local Week (from 10 to 16 August) is asking people to consider changing their habits - by doing things such as popping into a local family-run bakery for a loaf of bread to buying a quirky gift from an independent store, in order to help local business owners and local communities get back up and running.

However, while making the most of the borough's facilities, shoppers are encouraged to follow social distancing and the updated rules for Greater Manchester.

Cllr Oliver Ryan, Tameside Council Executive Member for Finance and Economic Growth, said: “Our local economy is the lifeblood of the Tameside community and we’re lucky to have received some incredible support from local businesses during the coronavirus pandemic.

“I encourage our residents to make the most of the stores in Tameside during Shop Local Week and beyond but please continue following social distancing rules to help keep everyone safe.”

The council has issued just eight reasons why shoppers should visit the high street during Shop Local Week. 

Help the high street and support the local economy

Shopping at local businesses pumps money into the local economy, and by spending money in their local shop, restaurant, café or pub, shoppers can do their bit to aid the national recovery across the country.

Save jobs – and create even more

Supporting the high streets creates jobs in local communities, supporting often young and disadvantaged people to find employment. Helping to grow the number of jobs in local areas makes for a better place to live and work, which then creates a healthy economy for the community.

Great deals

People might be surprised to see just how competitive the prices are in your local shops. Independent retailers often reward regular customers, while others often provide great deals that can’t be found in major outlets – meaning people save money as they spend. Consumers can also save money eating out - the Eat Out to Help Out discount scheme is being provided by the government, saving diners up to £10 per head on eat-in meals on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays in one of the participating businesses.

A safe way to shop

Businesses across the country have been following government guidance and implementing a range of measures to ensure people are safe while they shop, such as customer limits inside the store, plastic partitions at tills and hand sanitizing stations.

Preserving the heart of the community

A thriving high street is key to boosting the potential of a village or town where people can socialise as well as shop. Local businesses also generate revenue to support council services such as libraries, parks and roads that benefit communities across the UK.

Spoilt for choice

Small and local businesses often stock items which are made locally and aren’t available elsewhere else, providing a great range of choice and unique products that bring much-needed originality and variety into communities – including rare finds and items that aren’t mass produced.

A better shopping experience

Small businesses are often run by people who live nearby. As the UK continues to recover from the pandemic, the experience of buying locally from a friendly face offers a dose of normality that many people may have missed.

Help the environment

Local shops often source their goods locally, helping to reduce their carbon footprint. When shopping local, people are also more likely to walk or cycle to get there – doing their bit to reduce air pollution, reduce traffic and improve the quality of the nation’s high streets.