When it comes to shopping…there’s no place like home.
That’s the message Wigan Council and its partners want to spread in a bid to encourage everyone to support the borough’s economy and Buy Local.
From the corner shop to the local supermarket, the council is urging residents to use their spending power to help us weather the current economic storm by keeping their business in the borough.
Leader of Wigan Council Lord Peter Smith joined Deputy Leader Cllr Molyneux, local businessman Antony Winnard of the Uncle Joe’s Mintball empire and town centre manager Mike Matthews to officially launch the campaign.
Lord Smith says:
“Everywhere is feeling the effects of the global downturn and while our borough’s business base is broad and diverse, we are facing the same pressures.
“However there is no help like self-help, and as a resourceful community we have to find local solutions.
“So we are asking residents in all the communities and towns of the borough to consider shopping locally wherever possible so that together we can protect ourselves from the worst effects of these difficult times.”
You can find virtually everything you need in our borough and there really is a great range of shops, from large stores to long-established family businesses. So you can easily cut down on the cost and time of visiting other areas and help yourself at the same time.
If you needed more proof, here are five great reasons for keeping it local:
- You’ll be supporting the unique character and diversity of the borough’s vibrant shopping districts
- Your money will be support local jobs, wages and improve the well-being of your community
- If you shop locally you’ll be saving time and money and you’ll find a friendly service and specialist advice all in one place.
- Thanks to your custom, local businesses are more likely to survive, succeed and stay local.
- Local businesses may well be a ‘greener’ choice, especially those who get their supplies locally and have lower transport costs.
One local business that’s backing the campaign is the borough’s very own world famous sweet maker, Uncle Joe’s.
Joint managing director Antony Winnard played host to the launch at the Uncle Joe’s Emporium on Crompton Street this week.
Antony says:
“I think it’s a brilliant idea and one everyone should be backing. If we can keep business within the borough we can protect jobs and not see money go to other areas.
“As a company we are faring well at the present time, we have diversified a little bit which has helped but the more trade we keep local, the better for everyone.”
While Wigan Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Champion for Regeneration Cllr David Molyneux adds:
“Your next purchase could be just streets away and will we ask is for everyone to consider the local options first. Whether it’s a big purchase or your weekly shop if it’s in the borough we all benefit so…Buy Local!”
- To help kick-start the campaign the council has created an online directory containing the details of more than 5,000 local shops and businesses. You can find out more, pledge your support for the campaign and sign-up if you are a business by visiting the Buy Local web page.
- Or you can call the Buy Local team on 01942 828890.
