BUSINESSES in Shipston are banding together to give their high street a boost.
The town’s independent businesses are holding a first ever ‘Totally Locally National Fiver Fest’, from June 8 to 15. It is a national event which aims to encourage shoppers back into town centres and high streets.
Shops, cafes, restaurants, pubs and businesses will be putting on £5 offers for some of their goods and services as part of the marketing campaign to reel in the shoppers.
Businesses taking part include Mrs Brown’s Tearooms, Feldon Graphics and The Richard Harvey Collection.
Louise Harvey from the shop said statistics behind the event showed if every adult in Shipston spent just £5 a week with independent shops and businesses instead of online or chain stores it would be worth £1.1million to the local economy.
She added: “We’re joining in with the National Fiver Fest to give local shoppers some great bargains, but also to showcase the town and the great shops and businesses we have here.
“On average each independent business has around 12 local suppliers who are also often independent, family run businesses. So that £5 spent is re-spent locally as well, further helping the town. And the beauty of spending £5 is that it’s easy, guilt free and pretty much anyone can do it. Tiny actions like this can make a huge impact when lots of people vote with their feet.”
Festival founder Chris Sands urged shoppers to support their local high streets.
He said: “Independent businesses are the lifeblood of our high streets and town centre’s, run by incredibly passionate and knowledgeable people, often pouring their life savings into their businesses. Everyone is aware of the challenges our high streets are facing and, so far, there has been a lot of talk but no real actions. We decided to coordinate a National Fiver Fest to celebrate our independent businesses and high streets, spreading the word about our £5 message and get people back into our town centre’s and supporting their high street.
He added the event had helped reduced the number of empty shops in towns and created brand new markets and events.
Contact Louise Harvey at [email protected] for information on taking part.
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