Search and Shop Local’ to rediscover the magic of your local high street

Residents in Poole are being encouraged to ‘Search and Shop Local’ as part of an ongoing initiative to support local businesses throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

With non-essential retail shops closed due to national restrictions, BCP Council’s ‘Rediscover Safely’ initiative is encouraging everyone to support their local high street and boost the local economy by appealing to all those who may be tempted to shop online over the next month to search and shop local instead.

Cllr Philip Broadhead, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Economy and Strategic Planning, BCP Council, said; “Our high streets play a key role in creating a sense of community and place. Behind every shop frontage is at least one livelihood that depends on local people choosing to shop with them. This is why we are reminding everyone to rediscover the magic of the local high street when shopping online.

“Across our conurbation we have a wealth of amazing independent retailers who have adapted quickly to provide online sales, click and collect services, local deliveries and more. There are some real hidden gems all brimming with personality, passion and pride with some offering locally sourced items which aren’t available through major online retailers so you can choose things that are really unique to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

“These shops will only survive if we continue to spend locally, and it is absolutely vital that we all show our support now by either choosing to search and shop local during lockdown, or rediscover safely those premises that are open and those who will reopen their doors when it is safe to do so.”

Steve Reilly of Poole BID, said; “The high street and Quay needs the support, there’s a great offer on our doorstep and we need people to search and shop local wherever possible.”

Rediscover Safely is funded by a Reopening High Streets Safely grant from the European Regional Development Fund, allocated to BCP Council by the government.

Total Guide to Poole have created a 'Food Deliveries in Poole' guide and  'Retail Opening Times in Poole' guide, as well as Poole BID who have created a FB page https://www.facebook.com/PooleBIDSupport where you visit businesses who are continuing to trade online or via click and collect.