Weetons backs launch of new 'Shop Local Harrogate' initiative

Lockdown ends: Harrogate shops say 'welcome back' to customers

As one of the hardest-hit industries during the pandemic, Harrogate-based event company Impulse Decisions knows first-hand just how hard hospitality and retail have been affected.

Whilst major events are currently no longer running, this local firm specialising in charity auctions have invested their time in launching a new online sales platform to help other local businesses boost their Christmas sales.

Managing director James Marsden said: “So many companies have been impacted by the lockdowns and Tier system that we decided to use our own expertise to try and help local retailers get their products online and boost their sales.

"Launching ‘Shop Local Harrogate’ we have provided an online sales platform accessible to everyone from sole traders to larger stores, who simply want an online presence.

"This also means local produce and gifts are made accessible to people shielding or who don’t want to come out shopping, but still want to support local trade.”

To date, a total of 56 local retailers have come on board.

General manager of Weetons Food Hall, Keren Shaw said “This is a great opportunity for retailers in the area to help boost their sales post lockdown and pre-Christmas.

"We are delighted to take part and hope the public support online shopping alongside coming in to the store to keep the independent outlets in the town running and help us maintain Harrogate’s unique shopping experience”.

The Shop Local project: Who is taking part

Food & Drink

Weetons, Yorkshire Vinters, Cold Bath Brewery, The Harrogate Coffee Company, Slingsby, Pennine Brewery.

Clothing

Lister & Bruce, Peekaboobie.

Pets

House of Haas, Peach & Pooch, Benji’s Place.

Health & Fitness

The Fitt PT, RJ Sports Therapy, Sante Health.

Home Interiors

Nordium, Quirky Candle Company, Copper & Blonde, Interior Affair, Sophie Likes.

Hair & Beauty

Jennifer Parker Hair and Beauty.

Charity

Candlelighters, Artizan International

Delighted with the reaction to date, James Marsden said: “There is a big push for shopping local this year and we hope that the public will support this project and ‘Buy’ into it.

"You never know that one purchase a customer could make on the site may keep a business going or a person in a job.”

The Shop Local project will run online at www.sliderstock.com/shoplocalharrogate and is already being supported by Nick Hancock at ‘Your Harrogate’.

If you would like your company to get involved, please contact [email protected] or call 01423 531682.

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