You Have No Excuse Not To Shop Local
Anyone who knows me personally knows that I’m an advocate of independent businesses. I’ve always loved having local coffee shops and food markets run by good, honest people. Throughout University, I would drag my friends to Bean and Cole over Costa; I’d bring them shopping in the plastic-free shop and invite them for tacos in the food markets.
I don’t understand why people wouldn’t want to support their local community, to be honest. Of course, people like what they like, but why would you openly refuse to help your neighbour and stick with chain stores?
When I was in my final year of University, I decided to channel my thoughts into a local publication which emulated my sentiments. Amble magazine was a force to be reckoned with in Chester. They were independently run and sought to shine a light on the hidden gems of Chester that made it great. They’d write reviews, do promotions and do whatever they could to get people through the doors.
It was a pretty cushy gig, I got on well with the editors (or so I thought) and made a variety of business connections which I still find useful two years later. My time working at the magazine sculpted the foundations of my career as it is today, but it also awoke my passive activist.
Wolverhampton didn’t have much in the way of shops, regardless of whether or not they’re Indies. Brum was a little bit better, but all the good shops were too far out of reach, and London has the odd old fashioned Indies here and there. But I’m yet to discover my favourite coffee shop, clothes shop, and all that. If I’m honest, I don’t think that will happen for quite some time as this lockdown feels endless.
Chester will always have a piece of my heart, especially the local shops which keep it thriving. I still write for Amble now and again, to stay in touch with my favourite locals and close contacts. If you’d like to read more about my thoughts on this, then I want to direct you over to Amble…