October 2016
7 reasons to shop locally & 4Â places to do it
Updated 2020
7 reasons & 4 places to shop local.
In the midst of the Covid19 pandemic there’s much talk of supporting local businesses – whether they’re online or bricks and mortar. It’s a topic I’ve banged on about a lot over the years, indeed I first put this post together in 2016.
So here are 7 reasons why you should shop locally and 4 places to do it in Swindon.
It’s important to remember that the Small Business Saturday and any shopping local movement is not only about buying products but about buying services locally. Like business blogging by me for instance!
It all helps your local economy.
7 reasons & 4 places to shop local
Why shop local? Use it or lose it!
Well as this 2013 article from The Guardian says:
“From literary bestsellers to the latest gadgets, there is no denying that the Internet makes it far easier to compare the price of shopping. But some retailers claim the shift is now towards the high street, and buying locally is the message behind Small Business Saturday.
Clare Rayner of Retail Champion says:
“Christmas sales can account for between a third and nearly two-thirds of a retailer’s annual turnover. A bad Christmas can mark disaster for a small business. Sadly, it really is a case of ‘use it or lose it’.”
The article mentioned above details 7 good reasons why you should shop locally and support small business. For the full info read the article but in brief:
1. Spending locally boosts the local economy
Research on spending by local authorities shows that for every £1 spent with a small or medium-sized business 63p stayed in the local economy, compared to 40p with a larger business.
2. It’s an ethical choice
When you shop at local butchers, bakers, farm shops and green grocers, it is likely that a decent percentage of the produce has had a short field-to-fork journey. Along with supporting local farmers, it means the food is likely to contain more nutrients and have less packaging.’
3. You can get quirky and one-off gifts
Independent shops often stock items which are made locally and aren’t available elsewhere: buy a dress by a fledgling designer and there is little chance of turning up to the office Christmas party wearing the same as someone else.
4. Shopping locally supports British entrepreneurs
Artisan markets, such as Bath Artisan Market, help foster the talents of the next generation of British designers and retailers.
5. Shopping locally builds communities
Bookshops, cafes and craft shops often drum up custom by hosting events, from book groups to knitting clubs and children’s events. If the businesses are not supported, the local groups tend to disappear too.
6. You might get a better deal or some good advice
Independent retailers can use their discretion to reward regular custom. That might mean you get discounts on the items you actually want to buy, rather than being tempted by multi-buy offers in the big chains.
7. Sometimes you can try before you buy
Major retailers have the advantage of economies of scale. They can afford to slash prices and offer reduced costs. Yet, that makes it easy to waste money on products you end up not even liking all that much.
Where to shop locally in Swindon to support small businesses
Okay listeners. That’s the why. Now for the where.
Swindon benefits from all manner of independent businesses. On the streets of Swindon there are numerous independent coffee shops and restaurants many of which I’ve written about elsewhere on this blog here.
But since I’ve been in business myself with AA Editorial Services and Born again Swindonian, I’ve come into contact with lots of fabulous small businesses.
So, I’ll tell you now of some of them I know and those I miss I’ll beg your pardon
1. Pink and Green Organic and Vegan Skincare
 Created and run by Carol Aplin, Pink&Green is a purveyor of gorgeous organic skincare products. They’re a touch of luxury and quality at an acceptable and accessible price.
See more about Pink and Green here.
Carol does a whole host of products and gift sets, the images below being only two.
2. Jo Rigden and SED Developments
See 3D Printing and SED Developments for funky, fun, fabulous 3D stuff. Like for instance:
3. Simon Webb – Artisan pen maker
‘Simon Webb is a small artisan company creating beautiful, desirable but yet functional objects destined to be new family heirlooms.
Based in Wiltshire, the company has access to some truly special materials, making products that can be enjoyed for years and even generations to come.’
http://www.simon-webb.co.uk
Read more about his nibs here: https://swindonian.me/2015/11/04/simon-webb-steam-museum-pens/ and https://swindonian.me/2015/10/22/simon-webb-handcrafted-pens/
As well as gorgeous writing implements of all kinds Simon also crafts cufflinks. An ideal gift methinks.
4. Dona Bradley Architectural Illustrator
So there you have it – 7 reasons & 4 places to shop local in Swindon!
