This week is support your high street week, what does this mean to you? Have you done your bit and lent a shop window to some aspiring fashion or business students, who want to make their way in to the community and be the next generation of local business? Maybe you have/are taking part in the campaign by sending your photos, videos or offers especially dedicated to this week to #supporthighstreets social media's? Why not share your ideas and show how important local businesses and the growth of them are to you by teaming up with your high street to put on an event for the community. Such as, face painting at a family fun day, fancy dress, cake sales, talent shows or even hire a local band to entertain the public and raise money for charity!
20th-27th September should be an important week for all shoppers, organisations and businesses. Even by liking or sharing a post, this will still make the community aware of what is happening this week. If you are a pro-active person and really want to get stuck in then you can download the free campaign tool kit online now for media and event ideas, poster templates and template press releases.
Many businesses are already supporting their high street in the Newport & Torfaen area. Business Wales, The Welsh Government, Torfaen and Newport Council are just some of them who are contributing. On Wednesday 24th there will be a heritage tour of Pontypool which starts at 1pm- this will educate not only the tourists but the local people on the history of Pontypool. Don't miss Blaenavon's Autumn Fayre on the 27th- this event is sure to put peoples taste buds to the test! 12pm-4pm. Whilst in Newport, throughout the week there will be local history walks, family activities and street entertainment. There will also be an exhibition on Pillgwenlly in Pill Library where you can travel in time and see historic documents for yourself.
Some people may ask; what are the benefits of shopping local? Well, think about your local shop down the road which you walk to every other day after work to get a pint of milk, or you pop down late at night when you fancy a snack. If every other person down your street decided they wanted to get their essentials from the local supermarket from now on, then that shop would loose it's custom. You will have to pay the ever rising price of petrol to travel to the supermarket and lose the convinience of just 'popping down the road'. Also, unlike a chain store, your local know you personally and you will always recieve a friendly service. Locally owned businesses recycle a much larger share of their revenue back in to the community- enriching everyone! Creating jobs within the community for the younger generation so that they don't have to travel. Locally owned businesses build strong communities by sustaining the values of historic, old fashioned towns and creating vibrant, pretty town centres. Lastly, good, healthy competition between small businesses ensures low costs and competitive prices.
Christmas is coming!! Why would you want to get your presents from chain stores when you can shop locally and get a present which is from the heart and meaningful, at a price you know won't break the bank, from a shop you trust. Not only are they trusted but you know you are helping them to keep their products and services up and running. Pontypool Market sell a whole range of decorations, gifts and festive keep sakes at Christmas time. So, keep shopping locally and don't forget about the small businesses, the ones that continue to make your town, your home.
Bethany Christopher
