Use It or Lose It!

We need to support our high streets. 12,000 shops could close this year, that's 2000 more than last year!

With more people than ever shopping online there are fewer shoppers on the high street, despite this, rents and rates have continued to rise. Who can blame people for staying in and shopping on the web when to go to the shops costs so much in fuel and parking.

Shopping in a physical store is brilliant though, what you see is what you get. You can see and touch the actual product your buying and be confident in its quality before you buy. Retailers are also great at inspiring you with shop and window displays. When it comes to buying a gift for someone there is nothing like your local independent for offering advice and ideas.

I think we focus to much on where offers the best price instead of who we want to buy from. I have shops locally that I love and I'm going to make sure that's where I spend my money because I'd hate to lose them. Not only that but I don't want to be buying the same mass produced stuff that everyone has, I want something a bit unique.

I could ramble on because it's something I feel passionately about but the message here is simple - shop local!!