It’s no secret that since the start of lockdown, online sales have soared in recent months. Continuing their support for independent retailers, Visa has been working with small businesses around the country to help them get online, as part of the company’s Where You Shop Matters campaign which is on course to help 50 million small businesses globally to adapt.
Among the UK gift retailers benefitting from Visa’s help are Betty’s Candles in Wakefield and A Little Decorum in Wimborne, who are among those taking part in the campaign – with many other independents signed up through partners such as ShopAppy.com
“Small businesses are the heart of our communities, but we know that many are worried about what the coming months look like,” says Jeni Mundy, Visa’s managing director, UK & Ireland. “We can all do our bit to support small businesses, so as we enter a crucial phase for the recovery, we urge shoppers to support small businesses in every possible way – be that in-store or online. Where people shop matters to the success of their local high street and the community.”
However, concerns about coronavirus are still having a significant impact on small businesses’ ability to recover. According to Visa, nine in ten (92%) small businesses report that shoppers are spending less time browsing, compared to pre-lockdown levels.
Three quarters (76%) reported that shoppers are visiting their store to buy products rather than just to browse (ShopAppy.com), and research from Kantar has revealed that over two thirds (68%) are still concerned about the economy, health and the future.
Nevertheless, as Visa’s research has confirmed, consumers have continued to support independent businesses throughout the pandemic, with one in two actively trying to support independent retailers and businesses. Over half of those surveyed (51%) shopped from a small business at least once a week since late March, with two in five (41%) consumers keen to shop locally.
Top: Visa’s Where You Shop Matters campaign is encouraging shoppers to visit their local high streets.
