Do you buy locally?
There is a big push in my community to support local shops.
I am a big believer in supporting local communities and businesses.
This is easy to do when it comes to things like buying my fruit and veg as often buying local can still mean great value. You aren’t paying for petrol, you aren’t getting tempted by lots of other things on offer as you would in a big supermarket and so in many ways it can still be a thrifty option.
We also find when it comes to buying books, rather than always use the Internet and Amazon, we often go to our local second hand charity bookshop. We walk there and back and stop and have a chat with the nice lady that works there. As a family we really enjoy being part of and supporting our local community.
We have found though that when it comes to buying computers, cars, even clothes, it is often that the best deals are to be found online. And as a family on a budget we do like to get the very best deal. We need to!
When it comes to buying washing machines though I have found it possible to get the best of both worlds. Euronics is right up my street. We buy from a local independent store that’s part of Euronics, a group of independent retailers who have teamed up to get the best deals and take on the retail giants. So you do get great prices and exclusive offers but you also get a local service. We have often used our local store here in Nottingham and have had really good service and care.
I relish seeing local communities thriving. I also love to see family run business pass on through generations and to know the name of the person who has delivered my washing machine. It is comforting and reassuring to know who you are dealing with and who you are buying from. It makes after sales care so much easier and that’s really important to me.
What do you do? Do you try and buy locally when and where you can?
My daughter now goes to a school that takes us past all the local shops on the way home, I am looking forward to doing a little shopping on the way home with the kids!
I do try and buy locally but sadly my local shops often let me down and I have to buy online which saddens me. But I think the point is to keep trying!
I used to love Oxfam and local shops when i was in London. So full of goodies and unexpected bits x
I don’t shop locally enough to be honest. I tend to go further afield as parking is easier but I know that I should support my local retailers.
I much prefer to shop locally, not that there’s much choice in my little town. The nearest village however has great independent shops and they’re signed up to the £5 pledge for residents to spend £5 a week in local shops which is a great idea.
I DO buy locally. That even extends to coffee shops and groceries, where I can. So important to support what’s happening around you x
I do try and shop locally where possible… better quality and better deals!
That is such a great reminder. I really should shop locally but online shopping is so easy.m I’m sure I would save money if I did though
we totally love the second hand book shop copperfieldbooks in SW19…. The boys and I could spend hours in there!
The owner is REALLY helpful and kind with the kids too, and they can’t wait to be old enough to offer their services for work experience sorting out the kids’ books into alphabetical order.
All in excellent condition, and MUCH cheaper than the online stores, support your local stores!
I’m a big fan of buying locally!
I am a big believer in shopping locally. Even my family say how they know I like to support local businesses, it is clearly that obvious! That goes from using the local shoe shop to repair my heels, to buying birthday cakes from our local bakery. It is important that businesses don’t get snarled up by big superchains …… shall I get off my soapbox??
I have Sainsburys, Boots, Next etc just down the road at a retail park. I seem to spend all my money there, so it’s local in the sense of I walk to it and save fuel etc, but not local in the sense of supporting local businesses!
Wherever possible I’d always rather see something ‘in the flesh’ than buy online.