Showcasing all the good things about Fareham shopping
Live Love Local campaign is a huge boost for firms in run up to Christmas
THERE’S a real buzz about Fareham’s town and villages as a huge campaign to get people loving and shopping local in the run-up to Christmas takes hold.
Businesses supporting the Live Love Local message are using social media and new website livelovelocalfareham. co.uk to showcase what it is that puts them streets ahead of online shops and entice people into their local centres.
Customers can also win a luxury hamper full of goodies from local traders worth £150 when they have their photos taken with one of the Live Love Local photo frames in local stores.
Shoppers are then asked to share their selfies on social media using the hashtag #livelovelocalfareham to be in with a chance to win.
The competition closes on Christmas Eve and the winner will be announced via social media in January.
Live Love Local frames can be found at: Cackleberrys, Fareham, Davina’s, Warsash, The Cork and Cheese, Park Gate, Alexander Hadleigh, Locks Heath, Village Pets, Stubbington, Knot Just Blooms, Portchester.
The Live Love Local message, which is supported by Fareham Borough Council, is designed to help the area’s diverse range of unique shops and food and drink businesses rally against competition from online and out of town shopping this Christmas by highlighting the range of fantastic independent shops and businesses available right here on the doorstep.
Marilyn Elphick, manager of The Cork and Cheese wine merchant, delicatessen and café in Park Gate, believes the Live Love Local campaign is crucial to support both small local businesses and, in turn, those supported by them.
‘Lots of people turned to online shopping during lockdown,’ she said. ‘It’s convenient and I do understand that, but when people come to us, it’s all about the experience.
‘You will discover how well we know our stock. We know it inside out – so when you come in, you’re going to get people to tell you all about the British cheeses, the local wines, the locally produced gins, chutneys and jams. We know who labels the gins, we know the delivery people.
‘We know the back stories of all these things and that makes such a difference. You are paying for that unique experience when you shop with a local independent trader. You are not only supporting us; we employ local people, and support local producers, too.’
Fareham Borough Council’s executive leader Cllr Seán Woodward said: ‘As this campaign has highlighted, we have some fantastic independent shops right across the borough of Fareham many of which really are hidden gems.
‘I would urge people to have a look at some of the businesses highlighted at livelovelocalfareham.co.uk and, where possible, support local traders when choosing Christmas gifts for loved ones this year rather than shopping online.’
Visit fareham.gov.uk for more information.