Shopping local, independent stores has many benefits and often has a positive knock on effect on local communities too, by purchasing from local shops you're helping those local businesses grow, sell more goods from the area and employ members of the community, not only in seasonal visitor times but throughout the quieter times of the year too now with the ever increasing support from online shopping which many local producers have embraced especially throughout the pandemic to enable them to both survive and thrive. The Coastal Custodian has also played an integral part in supporting local small businesses by using their social media platforms to promote and advertise local businesses free of charge across Northumberland. For example www.rosiebee www.alnwickartisans www.fotografiamorelli www.chocolatespaalwnick to name a few which now continue to go from strength to strength as a result of this support. In addition to having economic and social benefits, shopping smll and local is often more sustainable too, and as a coastal custodian this is a very important factor when supporting business. Products generally have smaller circuits, meaning they have travelled less and accrued fewer air miles, in addition to supporting other local businesses in supporting their own using local products, resources and materials wherever possible.
Here are a few of my favourite local shops and retailers in Northumberland to get you started
THE NORTHUMBRIAN HAMPER, MAIN STREET, SEASHOUSES
DRIFT, MAIN STREET, SEAHOUSES
NOTES OF NORTHUMBERLAND, ALNWICK
THE CHOCOLATE SPA, ALWNICK
MOCHA MONDO COFFEE, AMBLE
LUMIERE AMBLE SHOPPING VILLAGE
NORTHUMBRIAN PANTRY
5 Top tips to support small businesses
1. Shop local
Don't always rely on bigger chains check out your local high streets to see what's available
2. Leave a good review
Statistics show that the majority of shoppers use reviews to determine what products to buy and services to purchase, on average people read 7 reviews before s trusting a business. So if you've had good service from one of our local retailers then leave them a good review on Google or social media it really is a great way to raise their profile and encourage new customers to try them.
3. Purchase a gift card or voucher
If you want to help a business bit don't need their services immediately then consider buying a gift card or voucher, a great way to support them and show loyalty
4. Use their online services
Many local businesses have had to adapt to survive the past year and have had to move online. Take a look at their websites or socials to find out what they offer.
5. Spread the word
Financial support though very important is not the only way to help support our local retailers: simply spreading the word, telling a friend about a brand or following, liking or sharing the company's social media helps much more than you may think. Not only does it help raise awareness but is completely free to do and can have a really positive effect for them.
Hopefully this has given you some ideas on how to to support small local businesses and the Northumbrian local communities, by making purchases from these retailers not only do they do a happy dance each time you buy from them but it really makes a huge difference to our communities too.
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