Buckie shoppers urged to think local first online

Shoppers across Moray are being urged to support local stores online amid a sharp rise in the number of firms trading virtually.

The Scotland Loves Local campaign has found that 43 per cent of businesses who responded to a survey in the region said they have the capacity to take online orders, with 27 per cent having only made that possible since the start of lockdown.

Festive bargain hunters are therefore being urged not to automatically turn to international retail giants when shopping online.

The Scotland Loves Local campaign is led by Scotland’s Towns Partnership.

That organisation's head, Phil Prentice, said: "Whether in person or online, it’s critical that we all think local first when shopping.

"Since the outbreak of coronavirus, shops across Moray have gone above and beyond to find safe ways of staying in business and ensuring their loyal customers do not go without.

"Many who’ve never traded online before have swiftly set up websites for shopping and ordering.

"The way they’ve taken off in such a short space of time is remarkable.

"It’s critical for their immediate survival and the future of our high streets that we support local businesses whenever we can, whether physically or virtually.

"They need us now more than ever."

The lead up to Christmas is a critical trading period and strong online sales are vital to local businesses who have bolstered their in-store activities with digital services.

Mr Prentice added: "By thinking local first online, we are helping the people who live around us, protecting jobs in our communities and investing in the future by ensuring local businesses continue to be there for us."

For more information about getting involved with the Scotland Loves Local campaign, go to www.lovelocal.scot.

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