At a time when people across the country are tightening their purse strings and struggling with the cost of living, it’s never been more important to shop locally and support independent businesses.
Love Local is encouraging residents of Wigan Borough to shop and spend within independent businesses - the kind of businesses which are the lifeblood of our community. These are the shops often competing with high-street brands and household name retailers, and which need our support the most.
Why shop local?
The Love Local campaign enables our community to re-invest back into the community and preserve it for future generations. By spending our money locally, we can:
- Help to boost the economy in Wigan
- Help businesses to flourish
- Support entrepreneurs to establish new ventures
- Create new jobs to benefit the community
- Positively impact the local environment - local businesses often source their products locally too, which helps to reduce their carbon footprint.
By making a concerted effort to support our local businesses, we can help them to not only survive but thrive. Love Local is about building a vibrant independent retail and leisure presence within our beautiful borough.
Kieron from FoodBox, says: “Running a business in Wigan is great, we have customers that have now become friends and we're interacting with different people constantly so there's never a dull moment. Other businesses are always there to help and we do the same for them.
People should shop in Wigan because there are many businesses owned by local people, so the money is going back into Wigan.
In recent years a lot of the big chains have closed down nationally, but there is still a vast variety of shops here you just need to go for a little stroll around the town to find them.”
Carol from Royal Perfumery, says “I’ve had a shop in Wigan for over 30 years, and wouldn’t open a shop anywhere else.
With loyal customers who’ve become friends over the years, I’m really proud to offer great customer service, with a personalised experience for everyone who comes through my doors.
Small independent shops can offer that personal experience to all their customers, making sure you are happy when you leave and ready to welcome you back next time.”
Katie from Bright Moon Crystals, says “Shopping local means you are supporting your community, and it means so much to us to be part of that.
The more people shop local, the more small businesses can grow, and make our town centre better and better.
Small business owners put so much love and magic into their shops, and I know our customers can tell the difference.
Shopping local means you know exactly what you are getting.”
What does Love Local mean to businesses in Wigan Borough?
Andrew, the owner of Twentyman’s, a family-run pizzeria and artisan bakery in Leigh, says: “We live locally, our great-great-grandfather ran a hotel around the corner nearly 150 years ago, and historically, we’ve always been in the area.
“We want to build on our great customer base, and hopefully get more businesses to invest in this area, making it a destination for great food.”
Ian, the owner of The Replenishery, Wigan Borough’s first zero-waste shop, says: “Being local is so important to us. I’m from Leigh and it’s been great to bring a new concept into the heart of Leigh; something that’s not been here before.
“It’s all about bringing the community together and spreading the word about what we offer. Being a local business is just fantastic.”