Independent Oxford and Cambridge (supporting local shops)
We all know that unless we use local shops, we’ll lose them to a sea of big supermarkets. So what are councils doing? Some are now finally growing backbones and refusing planning permission (although in recent months, both in Sheringham and Lancashire, outside sources have actually over-ridden decisions, so now they will receiving an unwanted branches of Dominoes and KFC respectively).
But what is concerning is that if you visit the average council tourism website, it’s all about promoting aquariums or zoos or chain stores and shopping centres. Our indie shops need help, and here are two cities that are taking it upon themselves (without outside council help) to do just that.
Could these two organisations inspire you to set up something similar?!
Run an indie shop? Many seeds, flowers, plants (and plantable cards) are toxic to pets, so learn what not to sell to households with pets.
Independent Oxford
Independent Oxford is a local organisation that champions independent shops and businesses, via online listings and an app for those who prefer to shop at them. The directory shows that there is nearly always an independent alternative to choose, over big chains and supermarkets.
Local independent shops can apply for membership. This costs around £20 per month (plus a £50 set-up fee). And includes a directly listing to reach 20,000 monthly readers, unlimited event listings, invitations to attend regular meet-ups and a members-only newsletter to hear the latest community news.
Supporting indie shops in Oxford helps to keep money circulating in communities. For every £5 or £10 you spend each week at an independent shop, this brings collectively billions back into the local economy over a year.
This is because local businesses use local suppliers, pay local taxes, use local signwriters, and tend to eat and drink locally too. Profits go to shop owners, not to shareholders and companies abroad.
Independent Cambridge
Indie Cambridge is a membership organisation designed to connect and support independent businesses and shops across the beautiful county of Cambridgeshire in East Anglia. It brings together businesses and customers, by reaching hundreds of local customers via the app.
Membership (at around £45 a month) has many benefits. Your business will be listed on the app (far less than paying for an add) to targeted customers who like supporting indie customers, so of course you can also use this opportunity to offer special deals and new offers. Or even promote your own discount card.
You also appear on the website and may be mentioned in the popular monthly e-newsletter that is sent to 1000s of people. You also get to connect with other indie businesses, for mutual support.
There are also regular get-togethers with others, to network (so you don’t feel like an island, in a sea of chain stores and supermarkets).
You’ll even on membership be introduced to everyone they know, and be featured in the magazine, distributed free (over 5000 copies) in local shops twice yearly.
Indie Cambridge can even arrange an interview (for a fee) with a local journalist to write your unique store, and take a professional photo-shoot to use for your marketing. And if you’re not ready to sign up just yet, you can still sign up, for a free basic listing.
Supporting independent shops in Cambridge (one of the most cloned places in England) helps to reduce the number of chain stores. For every £5 or £10 you spend each week at an independent shop, this brings collectively billions back into the local economy over a year.
This is because local businesses use local suppliers, pay local taxes, use local signwriters, and tend to eat and drink locally too. Plus ‘top profits’ go the retail shop owner, rather than shareholders abroad.
