A scheme to encourage people to shop locally has been launched.
The Shop Local First project has been developed by traders and Thanet council as a way of supporting local shops through the current economic problems.
It brings together traders in the five pilot areas of Broadstairs, Cliftonville’s Northdown Road, Margate, Birchington and Ramsgate.
People can pick up their Shop First Local Incentive Card from all the businesses taking part, in libraries and Thanet’s Gateway Plus in Margate.
To mark the launch of the scheme, an interactive shopping event is planned in the five areas for Saturday, November 14.
Customers will be able to pick up incentive cards and enjoy food, drink, a prize-draw and music in the shops taking part.
Businesses and shops will display a Shop Local First sticker in their window, and leaflets listing the businesses and incentive cards will be available from participating outlets.
In Birchington, offers include discounts of up to 10 per cent, pensioners’ specials and weekly draws.
In Broadstairs, traders are offering the same discounts, half-price offers and buy-one-get-one-half-price deals.
In Margate, meanwhile, discounts range from 7.5 per cent to 50 per cent, with free-delivery offers, while in Northdown Road discounts range from 5 per cent to 15 per cent, with offers of free gifts with some purchases.
In Ramsgate, discounts are available of between 5 per cent and 12 per cent, with offers of free gifts with some purchases.
Howard Evans, of the Broadstairs and St Peter’s Chamber of Commerce, said: “We’d been looking at the idea of a scheme like this for some time and were very pleased when the council put this forward.
“It’s very important, during a recession, that small traders support their customer base by giving good service, as well as the customer supporting the trader.”
The incentives may require people to spend over a certain amount before the incentive is received.
The scheme will run for a year but could be extended and into other parts of the isle if deemed a success.
Lucy Tuson, communications officer at Thanet council, said: “This is all about showcasing the wonderful variety of small, independent shops and businesses we have on offer here in Thanet.
“It’s so important to shop local and support our local businesses who create jobs in our area and offer unique services.
“Local shops sell a wide range of great products that are more likely to be sourced locally and, by using them, you help keep money in Thanet’s economy.”
Pamela Pople, from the Cliftonville Partnership, said: “The Shop Local First campaign will provide much-needed support promoting local independent businesses Thanet-wide.
“We’re delighted that Northdown Road is one of the five pilot areas for this scheme and we look forward to welcoming new shoppers to our area as part of this scheme.”
To find out more about the scheme and the launch event on November 14, visit www.thanet.gov.uk/shoplocal or phone 01843 577000.
POSTED: 30/10/2009 17:42:53
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