‘Shop local’ is the new Black Friday…
With Black Friday about to drop and the hype around the larger retailers, it’s easy to forget the ‘shop local’ message but here’s 5 reasons why you shouldn’t:
Be unique…
Independent shops often stock items that are made locally and aren’t available elsewhere! You can find one-of-a-kind gifts, handmade toys and individual outfits, especially at places like Tiverton Pannier Market, Moments, Jo Amor, Snob, Home & Gifts Tiverton, Leela, BOKA Gifts, and Bridwell pop-up events. Enjoy titles by local authors from our independent bookshops such as Liznojan and The Bookery and find unique pieces from local artists and designers in the art shops, especially along Gold Street in Tiverton & @100 in Crediton.
Listen to the experts…
There is plenty of expert knowledge in Mid Devon, we are lucky to have expert cheese makers at Quicke’s and delis such as Bampton Delicatessen and Kitchen@25. Always wondered what wine would go best with your Christmas dinner? Mid Devon has a number of expert wine merchants who can advise you eg Cork & Cru, Grape and Grain, The Jolly Vintner and Sip Shed. They also stock spirits, cider, beer and gin – the majority of the time they join up with local producers and can provide tasters and special events. To find out about Mid Devon’s producers check out Taste Mid Devon.
Enjoy the experience & big brands here…
Bring the fun back into shopping. Take some time to browse the shops. Mid Devon’s one and only department store, Banbury’s, will certainly cause you to lose an hour or two exploring each department from designer clothing, toys, shoes, travel and home; you can easily find something for a friend or relative this Christmas. G W Pack Jewellers has a long history in Tiverton and stock a range of high-street brands.
Each town has its own history and heritage which you can explore simply walking the streets or by visiting Bampton Heritage Centre or Tiverton Museum of Mid Devon Life. If you want some fresh air, you can enjoy a walk along the river or stroll in one of the town’s parks.
There are plenty of quality and award-winning eateries within our town centres to enjoy day-time refreshments:
- Cullompton – The Bakehouse, Gluten Escape and The Lime Tree
- Tiverton – Mrs Gills, Elsie Mays, The Duck & Bean, Pho Nam, Flying Pickle
- Crediton – Crediton Coffee Company, Kitchen@25, Ashtons Coffee Lounge.
- Bampton – Spelt, The Toucan, Bawdens
Mid Devon has four thriving retail areas covering Tiverton, Crediton, Cullompton and Bampton. Each one offers something different to discover. Each town has free parking for the following four Saturdays making it easy to pop to town – hassle free – in the build-up to Christmas.
Don’t miss out on the ‘Light Switch-on’ festivities taking place this weekend. Lots of businesses are joining-in and some are extending their hours to cover the events, so why not pop-in and see what they have to offer!
You’re supporting the environment…
When you shop with your local butcher, baker, market and farm shop, your food has had a shorter field-to-fork journey than that bought from supermarkets. Along with supporting local farmers, your food is likely to contain more nutrients and have less packaging. You can check out all of Mid Devon’s Farm shops and Farmers’ Markets on our handy trail.
We also have a number of ‘green’ shops to help reduce your packaging and help combat allergies including Crediton’s The Green House, The House of Green and Reapers in Tiverton.
You’re supporting our local economy…
Research shows that £10 spent with a local independent shop means up to an additional £50 goes back into the local economy. Not only are you supporting our local economy by shopping locally, but local businesses support local community groups; they donate raffle prizes and sponsor local sports teams. Our local businesses also employ local people and use local services which supports our local economy to grow and makes Mid Devon a prosperous place to live, work and play!
Acknowledgement: Images taken from Jo Amor, Jolly Vintner, Crediton Coffee Company and Cork & Cru Facebook pages
