Em@il jury
A store in the Borders is the UK’s best small shop. But what makes high street firms better than online giants?
We have an independent computer shop selling mainly laptops. Online stores tend to work on the principle that one size fits all, but local stores cater for the individual.
Liz Kelly, Glasgow
Many do a great job of competing by carrying a wide variety of stock, and if they can tempt customers in to have a good look around – and a coffee – it is a more enjoyable experience than ordering online.
Judi Martin, Aberdeenshire
Selling small items you would not buy online, and good quality quirky musthave buys.
Elizabeth O’Regan, Lincoln
Local businesses need to know their clientele. If they continue to give the locals what they want, they will make the local experience more pleasant than the online one. Sadly, the online experience can be spoiled by fraud.
Lorna Smith, North Yorkshire
Good service, product knowledge, and the ability to go that wee bit extra in customer service.
James G Plenderleith, Edinburgh
Dawson’s in Clitheroe is an independent where you can buy kitchen equipment, DIY tools, electrical goods and many more – and you can buy a coffee. There’s not many of these shops left, where you can get the personal touch.
Hamilton McLean, Harwood
The Crunch Carrot, in Dunbar, is a fruit and veg shop that sources its produce from local suppliers. Accessible opening hours can help local stores.
James Thompson, East Lothian
My local Waterstones book shop has a cafe, and is a lovely place to meet and have a chat.
Anne Fletcher, Darlington