Shop Local, Shop Northumberland 

Helping to shine a light on the wide choice of independent businesses in the county, the campaign will showcase the diversity and quality of retailers and will encourage us all to discover what is on our doorstep.  

We know that many of you have been continuing to support your favourite local business during lockdowns. For others you may have discovered in the last year what’s on your high street and perhaps you have come to rely on this service during these challenging times. 

We’re now asking people not to turn their backs on these businesses which have been the backbone of our communities for so long, but to continue to buy locally and support the local economy. 

For every £1 that is spent locally, 50p-70p goes back into the local area, that supports jobs, it helps the area to prosper and attracts visitors to Northumberland.  

Coronavirus has seen a real shift in the way people shop with 64% of Brits now wanting to shop local and support their local business.* 

In every corner of Northumberland there are some amazing independent businesses all providing a first-class service for their customers.  

Our Shop Local, Shop Northumberland campaign is raising the profile of the choice and variety of independent shops we have to offer.  

Here’s just a few of the ways you can show your support: 

• Take the time to explore your local area and High Street and see what is available. 
• Instead of using a giant online retailer why not check if your favourite shop is offering an online shop and choose something a bit different. 
• Check if they have a click and collect service or are offering a delivery service (some may even personally deliver to your door!). 
• If you’re celebrating a birthday or special occasion why not ask friends and family for vouchers or gifts card from a local retailer 
• Support local businesses on social media. Share; Like and Follow their posts and recommend them to others.  

The campaign will include inspirational videos and striking photography highlighting just a few of the businesses people can choose from, but we need your help too!  

We want you to tell us what you love about shopping locally, who your favourite retailers are, and who has helped you through the last 12 months. 

Let’s shop with pride and show our love for our locals! 

www.discoverourland.co.uk/shop-local  

Here’s just a few of the businesses supporting the campaign: 

Ivy & Rigg 

Ivy & Rigg is an ethical and affordable clothing company. Run by Amie and Mike the business takes inspiration from the heritage of Northumberland as well as their base near Hadrian’s Wall. With backgrounds in conservation and environmental roles Amie and Mike wanted to create products that were not only sustainable but also accessible. As much as possible they use local or UK suppliers and suppliers who are certified for their ethical and environmental credentials. 

For them shopping local not only helps to support the economy but also has a positive impact on the local environment. 

Forum Books 

For the last 10 years Helen Stanton has been running Forum Books in Corbridge. For Helen, shopping local is as much about giving back to the community as it is providing a quality service that comes from the heart.  

The support the business has received during the pandemic has shown Helen and her team that they mean more to people than just a shop, and since opening she has been enjoying talking to customers face-to-face and getting back to what she does best – recommending books!  

Caffe Ginevra  

Anthony and his wife Amy have been running Caffe Ginevra, selling coffee imported from Sicily for 10 years.  

Before Coronavirus they had signed a lease on premises in the newly-opened Tyne View Retail Park in Prudhoe, and incredibly they opened the new shop in January this year. The support they have received from locals has been phenomenal and the couple are urging people to continue to Shop Local to help our town centres and villages remain vibrant, busy places to be.     

Just Flowers 

Sometimes in the toughest of times, it’s the littlest things that make the difference. Jane Burns at Just Flowers in Haltwhistle has seen first-hand the impact Covid-19 has had on the community.  

Her beautiful floral displays have not only helped people through the difficult times but have also helped families feel more connected with customers wanting to send bouquets to family and friends they haven’t been able to see to brighten their day.  

*Figures from a recent You Gov report “Could Covid 19 save the high street” - July 2020