Shop Local in Amesbury
STONEHENGE Chamber of Trade has launched a Shop Local First campaign, supported by the Journal and running alongside a similar movement in Salisbury.
Its goal is to encourage local businesses and residents to use the array of local independent shops in and around Amesbury.
Paul Leighfield from the chamber said: “We have only just launched it and it is already gathering momentum. We are keen to do all we can to support local businesses in Amesbury.
“There are many benefits to shopping locally including saving time and money as well as doing your bit for the environment – prices in local shops not only compare favourably with big chains but are often cheaper.
“Produce in local shops is also more likely to be genuinely local, not having been redirected to a central distribution warehouse – saving both money and food miles.”
The chamber does not want to encourage people to avoid supermarkets and big chains altogether but is encouraging people to redirect some of the money they would normally spend in the supermarket to the local shops.
Mr Leighfield said a recent study showed that every £1 spent with a local supplier is worth £1.76 to the local economy, compared to only 36 pence if it is spent out of the area. Money spent with an online only store gives nothing back to the local community.
“The local community is growing every month with the ongoing development at Archers Gate and if more local residents spend some of their money with independent business the town will beco
me busier and attract more new businesses and investment in the town – Amesbury could be a completely different place in three years time.
“After all, independent businesses are what give our towns and villages their character – without them everywhere would look the same.”
More information can be found on the campaign’s Facebook page ‘Amesbury Shop Local’ with participating businesses posting news and special offers on the site.
Source: Salisbury Journal 2nd February 2010