British shoppers give boost to local businesses during COVID-19 pandemic

With the go-ahead given to all 'non-essential' shops to open today, and many doing so throughout this week, it is the perfect time for us all to invest in our own local economies, and continue to give them the boost that they need. Whilst it is good news that our favourite shops are reopening, we must not forget about those shops that were there for us during the tougher times of lockdown. Support them as they have supported us.

The COVID-19 pandemic, and the lockdown measures that followed as a result, have seen some seismic changes throughout society, affecting every person and every business differently. Businesses both small and large have had to re-evaluate how they run, and in turn, how that will affect their customers.

Shopping app Ubamarket has produced a report that says convenience stores and local grocers have led the way for the retail sector since the beginning of lockdown back in late-March. Local stores have been representing the saving grace of Britain's shoppers during this unique time, with shops such as these seeing a 63% increase in sales since then.

Our previous Countryside Alliance Awards winners and our current finalists for 2020-21 Awards season are prime examples of this. Veyseys Butchers, a Countryside Alliance Awards finalist from 2016, had to make the decision, much like countless other businesses, to close their doors to the public when the Government announced social distancing measures earlier this year. Offering delivery instead of their normal over the counter service was a decision they were prepared to make, but that in itself brought with it, new challenges. You can read all about their story, and how they were able to adapt to the circumstances here.

All local businesses, whether they be the convenience store around the corner or the local butchers down the road, are extremely important in rural communities and to the rural economy, so we're delighted to see them enjoy such an increase in their sales.

We must all remember where and who they are once this is all over and we return to 'normal'. Continuing to support small businesses under the new normal is vital, because the new normal is all about supporting those local businesses that were there when we needed them.

You can download and print the Countryside Alliance's 'Local Community is Everything' poster here.