Shoppers urged to stay local for festive shopping
Shoppers across West Lothian are being urged to think safety first, local first and support local shops as coronavirus restrictions ease.
The appeal has been made as a poll for the Scotland Loves Local campaign found that more than half of people in the region agree it’s important they back local businesses when Christmas shopping.
Non-essential shops closed as part of Level 4 Covid-19 mitigation measures covering West Lothian but stores in the area and ten other council regions were allowed to reopen from 6am last Friday.
And, as people look to complete their Christmas gift buying, Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP) – the organisation spearheading Scotland Loves Local – has urged shoppers to prioritise supporting shops close to them before travelling further afield.
STP chief officer Phil Prentice said: “There are a fantastic range of shops in West Lothian’s local shopping areas. The best Christmas present we can give them is for people to shop as close to home as they can, supporting local shops, whether in person or online.
“With the festive season vital for the survival of so many businesses, it’s never been more important to think local first.
“Staying local is also the most sensible thing we can do. While we want people to support their local high streets, we’re asking them to do so responsibly, within all public health rules and not to all rush to major shopping centres at once.”
People are asked not to inundate small shops and think about how and when to shop to avoid overcrowding.
Scotland’s Communities Secretary, Aileen Campbell, said: “Money spent locally is more likely to stay in the local economy and support local jobs.
“This Christmas, I want to encourage people to think how they can safely support this. I want to appeal to all Christmas shoppers to make sure they stay safe, protect themselves and others by following the FACTS guidance, and ensure towns and shops are not overwhelmed so we are not spreading the virus.
“Covid-19 has meant everyone has experienced a difficult year.
“The only way we will get through is by sticking together, being kind, and offering help where it is needed, even more so over the Christmas time.”
Polling commissioned by the Scotland Loves Local campaign has confirmed the strong will of shoppers to support local businesses this festive season.
For more information about getting involved with the Scotland Loves Local campaign, go to www.lovelocal.scot.