Small business Saturday was a great success in Barry, according to local MP Alun Cairns and small shop keepers.
The Vale MP has been promoting Small Business Saturday for several weeks and the whole initiative came together last weekend with an extra boost to trade. The event was launched by The Prime Minister across the UK and Alun Cairns has been promoting it locally. Its aim was to prompt people to support local shops and High Streets ahead of using the big chains on the busiest shopping day of the year.
Alun Cairns said, “I am so delighted with the response. I visited a number of shops on Saturday to assess the reaction and almost all reported an extra flurry of activity. This is great news and a welcome boost for local traders. We need to maintain the momentum.
“Tony from Vic Hopkins Butchers on High Street in Barry told me that it had definitely had an impact and that they had seen a good number of new faces. They were delighted to be able to offer their excellent produce and share their valuable experience with a new audience.”
Mr Cairns added, “We all have a responsibility to support our local shops and traders. The service usually goes much further and their advice is always reliable. They want to develop a relationship over the long term, not just gain a quick sale.
“As people continue to shop in the run up to a Christmas and beyond, I hope that local residents will question their usual habits and continue the Small Shop agenda.”