In the last issue of Valley Life I wrote about saving our high street and trying not to shop online. I did have quite a few customers in Heart Gallery that had read the article and wanted to let me know they were trying really hard to support all the local businesses. Not just retail shops, food and drink but services such as their insurance too – did you know Ryburne Insurance on Market Street can beat online quotes and they offer the personal service too because they are local and know the area?
Heart Gallery has been in Hebden Bridge now for 13 years and like everyone else we have had to adapt to survive the difficult times and remain resilient. We are lucky though to be a curated specialist shop that has become a destination because we offer quality British made jewellery, art and craft alongside good old fashioned customer service; we are just one great business in a town full of amazing independents.
The retail landscape in Hebden Bridge is shifting at the moment causing lots of independent business owners to worry and rethink their long term plans and future. Now more than ever we need to collaborate to ensure that we all survive and thrive. Small businesses are integral to communities and now more than ever we need YOU!
National Fiver Fest Week is June 8th – 15th and many independent businesses in HX7 are taking part along with over 30 other towns throughout the UK, encouraging shoppers back into their local town centres and high streets. Shops, cafés, restaurants, pubs and businesses taking part, are putting on special £5 offers for the duration of the Fiver Fest campaign. Just look out for the distinctive posters around Hebden Bridge and surrounding areas promoting all of the Fiver Offers.
The Fiver Fest is part of the award winning Totally Locally town kit – a completely free marketing campaign for towns to use which has been hugely successful in helping towns to buck the trend of declining high streets. Chris Sands, founder of Totally Locally said “Independent businesses are the lifeblood of our High Streets and Town Centres, run by incredibly passionate and knowledgeable people, often pouring their life savings into their businesses. Everyone is aware of the challenges our High Streets are facing and, so far, there has been a lot of talk but no real actions. We decided to coordinate a National Fiver Fest to celebrate our independent businesses and high streets, spreading the word about our £5 message and get people back into our town centres and supporting their high street.”
Please head out in June with your hard earned fiver and spend it wisely supporting a local independent, thank you.