Keeping Loyal To Local as our traders unite with a virtual Christmas market
BUSINESSES in North East Lincolnshire are hoping for some Christmas cheer thanks to their own family of independent traders.
Nearly 2,000 business people and shoppers have forged a Festive bond to support each other despite the coronavirus lockdown.
They have launched a Loyal to Local Christmas Market for North East Lincolnshire, with everything from soap shacks to hampers and take-a-way fish and chips and trendy clothes.
The virtual Christmas market has been launched to help support North East Lincolnshire’s local traders. The Loyal to Local campaign, organised by the Council, E-Factor Business and Investment Hub NEL, has been running since June, and now hopes to sprinkle Christmas cheer to North East Lincolnshire’s retailers’ this lockdown as they launch the virtual Facebook Christmas market.
Since its launch, more than 150 retailers and 1,700 shoppers have already joined the group. Retailer stalls range from gifts, to fresh Lincolnshire produce, arts and crafts and much more. Councillor John Fenty, cabinet member for regeneration and business at North East Lincolnshire Council, said, “Our ongoing aim is to help the local business community thrive during these challenging trading times, and to help point the residents of North East Lincolnshire to local talent and business owners as residents take to doing their early Christmas shopping online this year. Shopping local has never been so key for our local businesses as we continue to work together as a community to help reduce Covid cases. “We are working closely with retailers to make sure click and collect Covid safety measures are in place to encourage safe, local shopping this Christmas.”
Click and collect safety guidance has been put in place by many retailers to protect members of the public in the run up to Christmas and as we approach the end of lockdown.
The virtual Facebook Christmas market is the perfect platform to complement click and collect, allowing local residents to purchase online orders or opt to collect from retailers’ premises in the run up to Christmas and during lockdown.
Mark Webb, managing director of E-Factor Group, said: “Supporting local is paramount to the success of our town, and North East Lincolnshire. The future of businesses operating in towns and villages is depending on us, the public. We need people to shop local, be Loyal to Local and drive community spirit as we pull together to come out of this pandemic. E-Factor are proud to play a pivotal part of this fantastic campaign.
Owner of The Boutique, Waltham High Street, Rachel Tuite said: “I have been the busiest I have ever been because I have adapted online and
embraced social media. More people are shopping locally. I have the brands that people want from Marble, Jayley, Onjenu and Robell which I send all around the world. People are more aware of how important small independent business are.”
Gemma Winter of It Started With a Stitch in Abbeygate said: “Our first full day of trading ended with the announcement from the Prime Minister that were were going into lockdown. But we have switched more to online with a live Facebook each day. Our Soap Shacks are selling well, along with the DAB hand laser crafted items. It is good that we have adapted well as a council and business network and more people are asking if there is an alternative to Amazon.” Managing director at Healing Manor, Charlotte Hay was fresh from a big win in the Taste of Excellence awards in Lincolnshire where the Manor won “Best dining experience-to-go.”
She said: “There has been a lot of hard work and determination. Our takeaways started at the end of March and have not stopped. More than half our bedrooms have direct outdoor access so we are Covid-secure. It has been about creating a safe place and diversifying. We use the car park as a collection point and deliver to a fivemile radius.”
She added: “There are so many incredible independent businesses in North East Lincolnshire and Loyal to Local has created a platform to bring everyone together. There is a strong sense of community within the independent business sector. It champions what is in the area. It is incredible what is produced in our area. this time has been about trying to create constantly.” To join in the Christmas market, either as a trader or as a shopper, visit the Facebook Virtual Christmas market group