Welcome for Click Local campaign to support local businesses

The Gazette and its sister newspapers’ Click Local drive aims to keep money in the local economy by supporting local businesses rather than global online giants.

A Blackpool Council spokesman said, “This is a great initiative that will help to support our local businesses through Lockdown 2.

"There is such a lot of pressure on businesses to try stay afloat at the moment and if we can support local independent shops and retailers by buying their products online to keep our economy going and save people’s jobs, it will be a lifeline to many and will hopefully mean that can businesses can survive these difficult times and emerge out of the other side still trading.”

Blackpool, Business Improvement District group has said it was also important that people support the businesses that are still currently trading as essential within Blackpool Town Centre.

The BID has set up a list of businesses whose doors are still allowed to be open in the town centre on its Facebook Page, Blackpool Town Centre, and which it is encouraging people to visit.

A spokesman said: "It is important to support local businesses that are currently trading as essential, this will hopefully help to support the businesses to tick over during the Covid lockdown restrictions that we are all facing, it will also help to secure those in jobs within the local economy and assist in helping to pay overheads for businesses."

One business that has shifted its offer online is the Hermosa Boutique, in Church Street.

The business, whose name means beautiful in Spanish, was founded by friends Katie James and Mica Pullen in 2018 as a one stop shop for glamour in Blackpool.

But while the store has to remain closed, the team has been busy online to engage with customers.

Katie said: "Another Lockdown announcement has been a shock to us all.

"However, I do plan to keep trading online using the power of Facebook to encourage people to shop local. I offer a free delivery service and do weekly Facebook live sessions."

To make it easier for our readers to #suportlocal, we are compiling a list of some of the businesses – including those featured on these pages – who have found ways to keep trading.

Whether it’s online ordering, deliveries or services delivered entirely online, there are a wealth of way people are getting creative to ensure shoppers have all they need on their virtual doorstep.

If your business is offering online ordering or deliveries and want to appear in our list, email paul.berentzen@jpimedia for details.

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