Back local businesses, says Hackney Citizen

The Hackney Citizen has launched a ‘Be Loyal Buy Local’ campaign to encourage people to support their local shops, cafes and other traders.

As we all know, local shops, cafes and pubs are community hubs where you can catch up with friends and get the lowdown on what’s happening in your neighbourhood.

Local shops are good at a more  material level as well: they are quite likely to have what you want. Shopkeepers as part of their local communities are able to respond  more effectively to shoppers’ requests, and smaller traders  can often stock a wider range of the products that people actually want. Prices at corner stores and other local shops can compare well with supermarket ones, especially when you take into consideration the time, cost and effort associated with getting to and from a chain store.

So local shops are good for us; they are also great for the local community. Small and often quirky businesses help neighbourhoods retain their unique character. They also provide much-needed jobs and play a vital role in supporting the local economy. Of course we all buy things at supermarkets or department stores, but it’s good to buy things locally when we can.

So be loyal, buy local – and look out for our Hackney Citizen campaign posters in shops and cafes near you.