To find out more about our Vale Town Centres and how you can support your high street, follow @valetowncentres / @canfannaudrefiyfro on social media
Shoppers across the Vale of Glamorgan are being urged to “show love and shop local” as part of a major campaign aiming to stimulate local spending.
The Vale of Glamorgan Council is calling on people to head to their local town centres in Barry, Cowbridge, Penarth and Llantwit Major in a bid to support its independent businesses.
The council is making the call as it launches its Vale Town Centres ‘Shop Local’ campaign, which aims to aid highstreets across the Vale which have seen trade seriously impacted in recent years.
Having survived the unprecedented challenges of the COVID19 pandemic, high streets in the Vale of Glamorgan continue to face difficult times due to both the changing shopping habits of consumers and the wider economic challenges faced by the country.
This comes after research from the council revealed that 94% of businesses said they were worried about the ongoing effect the cost of living/energy crisis is having on them.
In a bid to encourage people to support town centre businesses, the campaign will highlight the many positive reasons for people to ‘shop local’ and support local traders.
Its research shows that for every £5 a week spent in local independent businesses based within the Vale’s four town centres, £26 million will be ploughed back into the local economy each year.
The council is urging shoppers to support their local high streets at this challenging time, and added that “they need you now more than ever”.
Cllr Bronwen Brooks, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Sustainable Places said:
“The last few years have had a devastating impact on our independent traders across the Vale’s town centres. Not only have they faced the coronavirus pandemic, but they now are dealing with ongoing cost of living and energy crises. Independently run businesses are completely reliant on the support of local people in order to survive – without that our high streets will not flourish.
That’s why we are asking you to support our Vale Town Centres. We’d encourage everyone to ‘show love and shop local’ to support businesses in Cowbridge, Barry, Penarth and Llantwit Major.
Our research shows local people say they are keen to shop local and this must be translated into action on our highstreets. Please show your support and think local, they need you now more than ever.”
“Our town centres offer a wide and varied choice of retailers and by supporting small independent traders on your high street, not only are you supporting a local business, you are investing in your local community, making it a better place to live, work and visit; boosting your local economy, while creating and protecting local jobs; reducing your carbon footprint, which is better for the environment and your health; and, preserving the heart of your community, helping your local town centre to thrive"
Every small purchase, really does makes a big difference when you shop local, so we’d really welcome everyone's support.
Make a difference this festive season
Shop independent
Seek out gifts, decorations, and festive treats from independent shops. Every purchase helps keep these businesses thriving.
Visit your High Street
Take a stroll through Cowbridge, Llantwit Major, Barry, or Penarth to discover unique boutiques, artisan food producers, and other hidden gems.
Spread the word
Share your favourite local finds on social media, recommend shops to friends and family, and encourage others to support local businesses. Word of mouth is a powerful tool for small businesses.
Choose local gifts
Opt for gift vouchers from local businesses or unique, one-of-a-kind items you won’t find in chain stores or online.
This Christmas, celebrate the hardworking independent businesses that make our communities special. By choosing to shop local, you’re helping to sustain the heart of Cowbridge, Llantwit Major, Barry, and Penarth.
Penarth Traders
Barry Traders
Llantwit Major Traders
Cowbridge Traders
Remember follow @valetowncentres / @canfannaudrefiyfro on social media or click on the banners below.
The Vale Town Centres campaign is co-ordinated by the Vale of Glamorgan Council and funded by the UK Government through the Shared Prosperity Scheme.