Why It’s Important to Shop With Local Independent Retailers This Christmas

COVID-19 may well be a global crisis, but it’s a global crisis that’s having local consequences. I don’t need to tell you that the impact the pandemic has had on the economy has been devastating.

According to the latest ONS figures, 15% of businesses still aren’t trading, with potential for permanent closures.

 

 

Yet massive multinationals are having a grand old time. Amazon’s Q3 2020 report confirms that net sales grew by 37% year on year. Net income hit a new high of $6.3 billion. It’s easy to see why – Amazon has been a major source of convenience during this challenging time. But the figures are still pretty hard for me to get my head around. We must try and do more to support our essential local economies.

As a business owner, you know how difficult this year has been. At myCloud, we do too. That’s why we’re proud to be shopping local ourselves this year, and why we’re encouraging our clients to do the same.

 

Here are just some of the ways that you can help other local businesses over the festive season:
 

• Has a local business done something great? Let people know by tagging them in your posts.

• Help local businesses expand their reach by sharing, liking, and commenting on their posts.

• Boost the visibility of local businesses among your network by following them on social media.

• Sign up for local business newsletters to keep up-to-date with the latest news.

• Share these newsletters with your friends, family, and your professional network.

• Most importantly, buy from them… and don’t forget to leave a positive review!

 
With Christmas fast approaching, this really is ‘make or break’ for many. We need to use them… or we’ll lose them. But there is some good news: you won’t be alone in your efforts.

Google reports that 67% of UK shoppers will shop more at small local businesses this year.

 

Together, we can make a difference.

 

While we all have a duty to look after others at this very difficult time, we can’t forget to look after ourselves. It’s important to make sure you’ve got all the basics covered for your own website, too.

Good ecommerce website design, that makes it easy for local shoppers to buy from you, is essential. So is a digital marketing strategy to help you stand out, with great SEO and a strong social media presence.

And don’t forget about the various ways you can help your customers to share their own great experiences with others. Let them know how to do their part and encourage friends and family to shop local, too. Adding review functionality, and creating shareable content like blog posts and email newsletters, are important considerations.

 

Need help?

 

Don’t worry, we’re here. If you’re looking to make your website attractive to local shoppers this Christmas, get in touch with our wonderful team or subscribe to our newsletter for more top tips on using strategic web design to navigate today’s unique challenges.