Shopping local is key to keeping towns and villages alive.
Our vision is to create a pocket high street, accessible from everyone’s phone and linked via one App/one log in.
We plan to expand, initially across the Richmond borough and then beyond.
We plan to expand, initially across the Richmond borough and then beyond.
1. IT BOOSTS THE LOCAL ECONOMY
Research on spending by local authorities shows that when we shop locally, for every £1 spent with a small or medium-sized business, around 63p remains in the local economy. This compares with around 40p with larger firms. (source The Guardian).
Research also shows that £10 spent with a local independent shop can mean up to an additional £50 going back into the local economy. Why? Because local shop owners then put that money back into their community by using shops, cafes, restaurants, services and so on. Circulating money, helping to grow local businesses.
2. IT HELPS TO CREATE LOCAL JOBS
and career opportunities.
3. IT’S AN ETHICAL CHOICE
Produce is fresher and often higher quality than mass-produced alternatives. Service is personal and reliable.
4. IT’S SUSTAINABLE
Helping to cut air miles and improve carbon footprints. Shopping locally reduces packaging, travelling times, field-to-fork journeys. And a good local business will, in time, build up a loyal following of repeat customers who are advocates for their products and services.
5. IT DELIVERS CHOICE
Which in turn, generates competition and controls pricing, keeping businesses on their toes. All good for the consumer.
6. IT HELPS TO ENCOURAGE A WEALTH OF CREATIVE & UNIQUE PRODUCTS
7. IT BUILDS COMMUNITIES
Cafes, craft shops, local trades, word of mouth recommendations. All bringing people together.
8. IT CREATES COMMUNITY CHARACTER
And personality to an over-commercialised world by developing a local identity. And don’t underestimate the feelgood factor that comes with this.
9. YOU CAN PERSONALLY SUPPORT THEM
By choosing where to shop and which services to use. And you can recommend local businesses that you like through word of mouth and social media.
10. LOCAL KNOWLEDGE & A PERSONAL TOUCH
The local world is a small one, and people know people who know people. Local knowledge and great customer service go a long way. Never underestimate the power of word of mouth referrals which can have the power to make or break – good businesses know this and will go the extra mile to make sure they deliver right first time.
11. IT BOOST HOUSE PRICES
High streets populated with thriving independent businesses boost the prices of nearby homes. Research by American Express found that house prices near a prosperous town centre have risen by an average of £40,000 more over the past decade than other properties.
Myhighstreet provides customers with convenient options to shop, in ways that allow local businesses to compete with large multinational delivery companies.
