Shop local this Christmas
We all know one of them: the person for whom we find it impossible to buy a gift. If you are lucky you just know one of them! However, do not worry, help is at hand with Love Oban Vouchers. This highly popular gift voucher is unique to Oban. They were launched in 2013 by Oban Business Improvement District to encourage spending in local shops, restaurants and businesses. Their popularity has soared, growing yearon-year, and this year is no exception, with latest sales figures showing a 30 per cent increase over last year.
Buy these vouchers and you give the key to a gift that someone wants, and they do not have to travel far to use them. By using the Love Oban vouchers, you know that money spent stays within the Oban business community and local economy. Last year the sale of vouchers broke all previous records and it looks like being the same again this year. You can use these vouchers in more than 70 businesses within Oban. You can use them to dine out, buy goods, enjoy an evening’s entertainment – you name it. They last for 12 months so people can enjoy mulling over what they are going to buy now or using them later. They can be bought from BID4Oban’s office on Stevenson Street, Oban Phoenix Cinema, Alba Art Shop, Button Nose Boutique, Oban Sports Shop and Etive Restaurant. The vouchers are available in £10 and £20 varieties up to any amount. For more details visit www.bid4oban. co.uk to find out which businesses accept them.
Get 10% off ‘til 24th november
Talking of shopping local, take time to think when making your buying decisions. Please spare the thought that by supporting local shops, be they locally owned or national retailers, you are sustaining the local economy of Oban. They all employ local people and sustain families. Yes, it’s easy to click, click, click online, but if we don’t support our own local shops, restaurants, and pubs, they may not be sustainable. Oban is lucky to have a vibrant retail and business community that continues to attract major retailers to the town along with bespoke local businesses. Believe it or not we do not have a lot of empty shop premises compared to other towns. The good news is that some of our empty shops will be re-occupied in the new year.
Why keep it in the community?
• Supporting the economy – Research shows that for every £1 spent with a small or medium- sized business, 63p stayed in the local company. • It is the ethical choice – When you shop at the local butchers, bakers, farm shops and producers, it is likely that a percentage of the produce has had a short journey, less packaging and contains more nutrients.
• Unique is the best – Independent shops often sell locally-made gifts that aren’t available in more commercial outlets. Local shops also support artists and designers, local authors and artisans. Buy something unique to your area.
• Charity matters – Local businesses often hold charity events, social groups and community gatherings in aid of charities that are closer to home to the benefit of the community.
• Try before you buy – Rather than looking at models online wearing clothes you think may suit you, try on the garments in your local shops, feel the texture and get an opinion on the clothing. It’s the retail experience.