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5 fab reasons to shop local

1. Building communities & strengthening

economies: When you support a local business, you are supporting your friends, family and neighbours. The availability of local shops is especially important for the elderly, vulnerable, young people and those without access to private transport. Plus, the more money that local councils make in rent and rates, the more they can spend on supporting local infrastructure and public services. 2. Celebrating individuality: A small business or

boutique shop adds character to a town. In a world that has become increasingly dominated by chain stores, a local business’s branding is unique and often quirky, adding something different to your High Street.

Independent retailers offer an alternative experience, and bring a much needed breath of fresh air into areas populated by generic stores and companies. 3. Creating job opportunities: A local business that

becomes a success will grow, and as they grow they’ll recruit more staff from the local population. In addition,

their success will encourage other local businesses to open up to take advantage of the footfall, encouraging other people to take the plunge and become entrepreneurs too! 4. A personalised service: Local business owners are friendly and engaging, they get to know their customers at a personal level and can often provide better advice about their products and services. Local traders value your business more since their survival depends on their good reputation and repeat business. They can often adapt their products to suit your personal requirements or source something bespoke, which big chains won’t do. 5. Better for the environment: Shopping local means

fewer mileage and petrol costs, which helps reduce CO2 emissions. Plus, local shops often stock locally sourced goods which not only support the local economy but also reduce transport times and costs of the goods, which impacts positively on their carbon footprint.

New products on the High Street

The Happy Soul Perfume is available

to purchase from selected ChloBo stockists and at www.chlobo.co.uk for £30. This flirty, fig-infused scent is reminiscent of coastline walks along the Cote d’Azur, dotted with wild fig trees, coupled with the subtle array of woody barks and earthy tones.

Peperami has launched a new meaty snack for adults looking for a more sophisticated snack choice. Peperami Chorizo 5 Pack offers

a delectable mix of spices and punchy paprika flavour to ramp up the taste. With just 99 calories per portion and made with 100% pork, the new variety costs £2.30 and is available in Tesco and other retailers at a later stage.

Heinz has launched a new bundle on its Heinz to Home website. The ‘Made from Plants’ bundles feature a selection of products featured in the new series, including some of the most iconic plant-based Heinz products (think Heinz Beanz and Heinz Tomato Ketchup) and newer innovations, including Plant Proteinz. Prices start from £13 plus £3.50 delivery.

Product of the month

These Letterbox Easter Eggs from Faithfully Yours LPG make it so much easier to deliver to someone who is busy or out and not able to receive a gift in person. You can have up to three lines of 30 characters on each line for a personalised message – all for just £12.99. See www.faithfullyyourslpg. co.uk to order. This month you also have the chance to win one in our Easter Egg Hunt - see page 3 for details.