If every working adult in the city pledged to spend an extra £5 a week more locally instead of with the major online retailers it would boost the local economy by £780,000.
Doing that every week between now and Christmas could generate £4 million – and help keep hundreds of people in employment.
To help residents, think and shop local – a new website has been launched to promote Wolverhampton shops to tens of thousands of potential new customers.
More than 160 shops and businesses have already registered their details for the city’s new ‘Shop Local’ website, which has been set up City of Wolverhampton Council with support from Wolverhampton and Bilston Business Improvement Districts, and other city stakeholders.
It gives the city’s independent and local businesses the opportunity to showcase themselves and is being backed by a marketing campaign driving residents to the website and encouraging them to support their local high street.
Traditionally a busy time of the year, local shops have a wide range of Christmas gifts on offer – and now need support more than ever.
Councillor Steve Evans, Cabinet Member for City Environment, said: “Covid-19 has hit our shops and businesses hard and they need all the support they can get in the lead up to Christmas.
“Traditionally, this is a busy time for our retailers but this year lockdown and local restrictions mean we have to think differently if we are to help them survive these tough times.
“We very much value the presence of our small businesses and the creative local people behind them.
“These are the businesses that help give Wolverhampton its own identity and character.
“So, instead of spending all your money with the major online retailers, I would urge residents to check out the city’s online and high street offer and #shopwolverhampton.”
Cherry Shine, Wolverhampton BID Director, added: “More than ever, where you spend your money matters. Our city centre retailers and businesses need your support, and we encourage you to shop local wherever you can. If you can make a pledge to shop local, together we will be helping to keep our much-loved local businesses in business.”
Bilston BID Manager, Simon Archer, said: “This Christmas will probably be the most important one ever, for many of our businesses. We need them to survive this horrible period, so they can come back stronger in 2021. Let’s hope the people of Wolverhampton support Shop Local and spend their hard-earned cash with local shopkeepers and market traders.”
Businesses can submit their details for inclusion on the website by visiting Shop Wolverhampton.
