Express & Star

Shoppers urged to buy gifts from local firms in run up to Christmas

People are being urged to shop local during lockdown and in the run up to Christmas to support businesses and protect jobs.

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Dudley Street, Wolverhampton

Bosses at Wolverhampton City Council say if every working adult in the city pledged to spend an extra £5 a week locally instead of with the major online retailers it would boost the local economy by £780,000.

Doing that every week between now and Christmas could generate £4million – and help keep hundreds of people in employment.

To help residents think and shop local, a new website has been launched to promote Wolverhampton stores to tens of thousands of potential new customers.

More than 160 shops and businesses have already registered their details for the city’s new ‘Shop Local’ website. It gives the city’s independent and local businesses the opportunity to showcase themselves.

Councillor Steve Evans said: “We very much value the presence of our small businesses and the creative local people behind them.

“These are the businesses that help give Wolverhampton its own identity and character.”

Cherry Shine, Wolverhampton BID Director, added: “More than ever, where you spend your money matters.”

Bilston BID Manager, Simon Archer, said: “This Christmas will probably be the most important one ever, for many of our businesses. We need them to survive this horrible period, so they can come back stronger in 2021.”

Businesses can submit their details for inclusion on the website by visiting shop-wolverhampton.com.

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