Make this Valentine’s the day of love for local businesses
Shop-local campaigners are urging Londoners to help safeguard the future of small traders when they buy for loved ones this Valentine’s.
Last Valentine’s Day generated £926million of sales in the UK as around 40 million Brits spent an average of £23 each. With concerns over Covid still lingering and footfall down, the Local Buyers Club team, which champions small businesses, is urging Londoners to choose independents over big chains this February.
Basil Fansa, co-founder of the Local Buyers Club, said: “Valentine’s Day is a vital annual boost for small businesses. Last year saw a significant drop in Valentine’s spending in the UK (down from £1.45 billion to £926million, according to research by Finder.
“Whether you’re one for big romantic gestures or more the box of chocs and a card type, please spend your pounds with independents and help safeguard their future. Loads of independent shops and makers will deliver UK-wide so shopping local online now rivals the big chains for convenience.
“London is packed full of exciting indie businesses – from those hand-making delicious chocolates (Saw Chocolates in Walthamstow, Lady Cacao in Dalston and Copperhouse in Islington) to those selling beautiful bits for the home (Know & Love, Dandy Star, Wallace Cotton) – we really are spoilt for choice.”
Other lovely London businesses with a strong offer this Valentine’s include Laki Kane’s rum-making course, afternoon tea delivery from vegan café Lele’s, flowers from the amazing and original Edie Rose and wonderfully cheeky fine bone china from Outlandish Creations. And we love these soy candle-making kits from Wickpy.
The Local Buyers Club has put together a gift directory of independent shops to buy presents from – all offering savings to members. The list includes florists, breweries, wine stores, clothing shops, jewellers, homeware shops, chocolatiers, those selling art, lingerie shop, stores for cycling enthusiasts and more.
Check it out at www.localbuyersclub.com/gift-directory
Please join the Local Buyers Club
We're on a mission to help people discover & support the best independent businesses. The Local Buyers Club is more than just a discount card - we're London's shop-local club. We also organise community initiatives like the Winter Toy Appeal and have recently set up www.myvirtualneighbourhood.com
But we can only do it with the support of our wonderful members.
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Our members are rewarded for choosing local with savings or perks at hundreds of awesome restaurants, shops, bars and small businesses throughout London. We help spread the word about them and raise awareness of the advantages of shopping locally.
Join the Local Buyers Club and, for just £15 per year, you'll be helping to support local business.
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If you're a great independent business in London and would like to find out more about joining the Club and being listed on our site please email team@localbuyersclub.com
