Shoppers across the Vale of Glamorgan are being urged to “show love and shop local” this Christmas 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 to support its independent traders this festive season.

With independently run businesses being completely reliant on the support of local people in order to survive, the Council is keen to highlight the many positive reasons for people to ‘shop local’ this Christmas.

  1. Boost the local economy – shopping at a local business in the Vale of Glamorgan pumps money into the local economy and by spending in your local shops, restaurants, cafes or pubs, you can do your bit to help your local area
  2. Help to save jobs and create more  - when you buy from a local shop, you’re not helping line the pockets of a wealthy CEO of a national brand, you’re helping a local person, who in turn will then spend locally, helping to create jobs in your local community
  3. Enjoy a memorable and personal shopping experience - small businesses do what they do because they are passionate about their products or service, they often take the time to get to know their customers more, and will go the extra mile to ensure you’re a highly satisfied customer.
  4. Help your local community to thrive - Shopping at a local town centre business helps them stay open and thriving. With enough people doing the same, it can help make our local communities a better place to live, work and visit.
  5. Better for the environment - If you choose to shop locally, you're making a positive environmental impact. Because they tend to have localised supply chains and buy only what they need, local shops and other businesses have fewer food miles and a smaller carbon footprint.
  6. Find originality and choice - Small and local businesses provide a range of unique products that aren't mass produced. If you want an original, quirky present, you're more likely to find it in an independent shop than a huge store. Local shops support local designers, artists and authors, as well as local food producers and growers, so you can buy products that are unique to the area.

Penarth Times: Support your local town centre this festive season

In the lead up to Christmas, Vale town centres will become digital smart towns, thanks to the VZTA app, allowing local people to explore and discover what local traders have to offer from the palm of their hand. Download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

Nia Hollins, Principal Tourism & Marketing Officer, at Vale of Glamorgan Council, says: “We’d encourage everyone to ‘show love and shop local’ to support businesses in Cowbridge, Barry, Penarth and Llantwit Major this festive season.

“Our research shows local people say they are keen to shop local and this must be translated into action on our high streets. Please show your support and think local, they need you now more than ever.”