Think Local For Christmas Presents This Year Says Leading Councillor

A leading Hampshire County Councillor is urging people to back local businesses during this second national lockdown by shopping locally where possible.

Hampshire County Council is also supporting Hampshire Fare’s initiative to buy one local gift this Christmas as part of its ongoing campaign #stayloyalstaylocal

Councillor Rob Humby, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Economy, Transport and Environment at Hampshire County Council said: “November is usually a busy time for retailers as people shop for Christmas presents.

“With the national lockdown now in effect, our high streets will once again see reduced footfall. But we can support Hampshire’s economy at the same time as playing our part to help prevent the spread of coronavirus, by doing some of our Christmas shopping with local businesses.”

In Hampshire, 100,000 people are employed in non-essential retail and 72,000 in hospitality; and almost one in four of all jobs in the wider Hampshire area are in sectors that will have to shut down this week.

In April this year, during the first national lockdown, national economic output in accommodation and food contracted by 87%, and in wholesale and retail, it contracted by 28%.

Councillor Humby added: “With farmers’ markets remaining open, and many independent shops offering click and collect, ring and reserve or delivery services, there will be plenty to choose from. Many pubs and cafes are also once more offering takeaways, which is another way for Hampshire residents to support their local community – by helping businesses get through.”

Tracy Nash, Commercial Manager at Hampshire Fare, added: “If we all buy just one local gift or local treat for the Christmas table, it will make a massive difference. This not only helps local businesses to survive at this difficult time, it also supports our local communities and the local economy – both dependent on local businesses to flourish and thrive.”

Find out more about Hampshire Fare’s Christmas challenge here.

Find out more about local Farmers Markets here.