Shoppers to stick with small firms

Millions of shoppers have pledged to vote with their feet and continue to support small businesses after turning their backs on larger chains.

A study of 2000 adults revealed small independent retailers are back into favour after years of struggling against large multinational chains. The vast majority (80 per cent) of shoppers have chosen to buy from independent businesses instead of the big chains during lockdown – and many won’t go back.

A third of those have bought from a local bakery while 20 per cent have purchased something from an e-commerce store, such as an online craft shop or book outlet.

The study, commissioned by Funding Circle, found 54 per cent believe they have supported small companies more than ever recently.