Shop locally to save our city businesses, traders urge

Wolverhampton Council has drawn up a list of more than 160 stores to visit amid difficult trading times, on a list called Shop Local.

The local authority says £780,000 could be added to the city’s economy if every working Wolverhampton adult pledged to spend an extra £5 locally, rather than with a major online retailer.

If that was done every week up until Christmas, it could generate £4 million and keep hundreds in employment.

Among the businesses that are taking part are The Framers Gallery, Zuri Coffee and Wulfrun Wool and Crafts.

The Framers Gallery’s shop, in Worcester Street, is currently closed but the firm is offering customers a click-and-collect service during the second lockdown.

Manager Wayne Haughton said: “We just need to get people in the city to spend money.

"If there is anything that we can do to get people into the city to spend money, it would be a bonus.”

He added: “The town is quite rundown. There is too many empty shops. That is not a shopping experience.

“I feel like they [the council] should give a couple of hours parking for free like Merry Hill shopping centre and Bentley Bridge.

"I feel that is one complete obstacle that stops people coming into Wolverhampton city centre.”

Zuri Coffee, in Lichfield Street, has been operating a takeaway service amid the second lockdown between 11.30am and 2.30pm.

But Sham Sharma, who runs the business, says trade has been very quiet.

He said: “This is very important. It actually advertises local businesses within local communities.”

Wulfrun Wool and Crafts, based in Cleveland Street, has continued operating a click-and-collect service but is worried about the future.

Tracey Spilsbury, co-owner of the business, said: “I think it is absolutely fantastic that the council is doing this.”