SHOPPERS have been thanked for supporting their local high streets.
Denbighshire County Council’s #LoveLiveLocal campaign encourages people to spend money locally in the county, businesses to showcase their products or services on social media and attract customers into the county’s towns and villages.
The campaign runs all year round, but during the winter period #LoveLiveLocal focused on highlighting a selection of businesses representing what Denbighshire has to offer in a range of sectors.
It included videos, social media content and case studies all aimed at encouraging shoppers to make the most of what is on their doorstep.
A pop-up shop, organised by Denbighshire County Council and delivery partners Antur Cymru, also operated in Rhyl’s White Rose Shopping Centre, which acted as a platform for six start-up and small businesses to trial new ventures on a low-risk basis as well as providing mentoring and support.
Cllr Hugh Evans, leader of Denbighshire County Council, and lead member for the economy, said: “I would like to thank all of our residents who are supporting the county’s independent traders and shopping locally.
“Many answered the call of the #LoveLiveLocal campaign and played a part in supporting businesses and the economy in Denbighshire.
“By staying local to shop, you can keep our wonderful businesses thriving and also play a part in lowering our carbon footprint.
READ MORE: The Little Flowermonger shows support for #LoveLiveLocal
“The data we are seeing around the economy in the county is showing encouraging signs. Supporting the Denbighshire economy and helping businesses is a priority for the council and this campaign is one part of that support package.
“We will continue to remind people of the fantastic businesses we have in Denbighshire who work hard as well as helping with everything from day-to-day essentials to that perfect gift, why not choose Denbighshire for a night out or as the setting for your next outdoor adventure?”
Earlier this year, a study by the Financial Times on card spending by a sample of British bank customers looking at how areas have been affected since Covid hit the UK in March 2020 found local sales in Denbighshire since March 2020 were up by 1.2 per cent on what might have been expected from pre-pandemic levels, the only county in North Wales which saw a rise in local sales.
Last year, research by savings online platform Raisin UK revealed Denbighshire ranked number one for Welsh economies when it comes to business and is expected to bounce back quickly after the pandemic, while real estate consultancy Harper Dennis Hobbs recently listed Prestatyn and Ruthin as the top two best Welsh high streets in their vitality index.
Raisin examined which local economy is best suited to cope with Covid-related challenges, based on the number of large businesses, business survival, birth and death rate, rate of people in work, the amount of the population receiving income support and the average government spend per population head.
Peter Carol, managing director of Llangollen-based Pro Adventure, said: “The #LoveLiveLocal campaign has helped sustain the increase in shopping to local independents like us, delivered increased mail order, click and collect and in store shopping from North Wales based customers to our Llangollen business.
“This has supported local jobs and all feeds back into the Denbighshire economy.”
Kara Tyrrell, owner of Beauty on the Square in Ruthin, said: “I would like to thank customers who helped support local businesses this winter, by supporting local customers, residents are protecting local businesses and our high streets.
“The #LoveLiveLocal campaign really helps to demonstrate the importance of shopping locally, it really helps, and we were pleased to be able to take part in the campaign and help highlight all there is to offer in Denbighshire.”
Caroline Dawson, of SUP Lass Paddle Adventures based in Loggerheads, said: “For us the #LoveLiveLocal campaign gave us a real financial boost, particularly over our down season months.
"And as a result many people chose the SUP Lass gift experience as an alternative Christmas gift. As a new company it was great to be promoted alongside more established local brands.”
People can get involved by visiting http://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/business/business-support/love-live-local.aspx
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