Rallying cry made to shoppers to save ‘lifeblood’ local traders
‘Up against it’ businesses desperate for support from the community
SHOPPERS are being urged to buy local for Christmas and ‘show traders we care’ after retailers admitted they were ‘up against it’.
Struggling independent stores have been left on the brink with sales plummeting following Covid lockdowns.
Despite their plight retailers are determined to ride the wave and bounce back.
But without the community’s support they admit they might not survive.
Now The News is calling on people to show their support for local shops.
The rallying call comes as traders are in the spotlight on Small Business Saturday, a campaign highlighting the success of local shops and calls on people to support them - not just today but throughout the year.
And with Christmas just around the corner, now is the perfect time to get behind local shops.
Anthony J. Duke, the ‘only cigar man in the city’, is the owner of Head Case Curios in Albert Road, Southsea, which has just celebrated its fourth birthday.
He said: 'Albert Road is really unique - everybody helps everybody. It has been hard, we are up against it. But we've had great support from the community, and that's what we need right now.
'Everyone around here is desperate for some trade. Keep on supporting your small high streets, and talk to the businesses, tell them what you want.'
Sarah Payne, owner of Southsea Gallery, leads a five-strong team at her Albert Road shop.
She said: ‘Shopping local is vital - it ploughs money back into the community, rather than in anonymous pockets. And you get old fashioned customer service.’
Former nurse Anita Gyori owns the boutique store Voeux D'or on Exmouth Road, opposite the Kings Theatre.
She said: ‘These days, especially after Covid, I think people are focusing on supporting small businesses, and I want to say thank you to everyone in the community.’
Jenni Catlow, chair of Albert Road Traders Association, said: ‘Albert Road traders are up and running with our shops brimming with handmade, eccentric and alternative gifts to suit all ages.
‘Bars and restaurants are also geared up for the festive season. The theatre is a blast and the Wedgewood rooms are in full swing. Come and support the one and only Albert Road.’
Traders in Fareham were also keen to highlight the benefits of shopping locally.
It comes as the town runs its Live Love Local campaign to get shops and businesses buzzing in the run-up to Christmas.
Kimmy Sabey, owner of Hearts and Hugs in Titchfield, said: ‘There’s no doubt that we are heading into some uncertainty again and no one yet knows what the next few months will bring.
‘But we are grateful for all the support we’ve received from the local community – we rely on them to help us thrive.’
With Small Business Saturday taking place, traders are hoping this will give a boost.
Alexsis Seed, owner of haberdashery store Seeded,
in Clarendon Road, said: ‘It's really important for us as a small independent business to get involved each year, especially this year as it's our first Small Business Saturday in our new home.’
Penny Mordaunt, Portsmouth North MP, said: ‘Our Christmas shop is an opportunity we can seize to show our support to local traders who have weathered the Covid storm.’
Portsmouth South’s Stephen Morgan, said: ‘Local businesses are the lifeblood of our city, but the past 18 months has been an incredibly difficult time for many of them.’ Builder Matthew Oakes said independent traders needed as much support as possible.
The 38-year-old from Leigh Park said: ‘They’re the lifeblood of the high street. My father-in-law has run his own furniture store near Bristol for ages.
‘He has really struggled during the pandemic. It’s been really tough... everyone should support their local shops.’
Vera Theseiro, 88, of Cosham, told The News: ‘We definitely should support them. It’s very important. Enough shops are going out of business as it is. We have to keep the ones that are still here going.’
Retired shopkeeper Patrick Montgommery said the past two years for traders had been exceptionally challenging. ‘I don’t envy anyone running their own shops right now,’ said the 69-yearold, who recently moved to Cosham from Newcastle.
‘It's really hard to compete against the bigger stores that can undercut your prices.’
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