Figures just released show that over half of consumers are planning to support small businesses in the final run up to Christmas. The study from Paymentsense shows that over 28% plan to shop in small businesses regardless of location, and more than 23% will do so locally.
Over a third (35%) of consumers said they are supporting local retailers (as well as local cafes and services) over the Christmas period because they are concerned about the decline of the high street, suggesting that national and regional campaigns promoting local businesses are starting to have an influence.
“There have been several supportive campaigns aimed at consumers which specifically promote buying from smaller local businesses at Christmas,” commented Guy Moreve, cmo at Paymentsense. “We’re hoping our study is the first sign that these efforts are having a positive impact, and that consumers are rallying behind small businesses at this time of year.”
Some 31% believe that small businesses are an important part of the community, while over a quarter said they support their local businesses all year round – not just at Christmas. Nearly a fifth of respondents said they knew many of their local business owners and wanted to support them during important trading times.
From a regional perspective, 58% of those in Bristol, and 56% of Londoners, indicated they will support small businesses over Christmas, locally or otherwise. Almost half (49%) of respondents from Manchester fell into this category, while slightly fewer people from Birmingham said they would shop at SMEs over the festive period (31%).
The research also found that those with higher incomes are more likely to support small businesses in the run up to Christmas. Consumers are less concerned by slower service or higher prices when they shop locally. The study found that one in four (38%) overlook these issues if the business is near their home.
Top: Visa is behind one of the campaigns to muster support for the high street this Christmas. One of its High Street stars (featured in its TV advertisement) is housewares stockist, Labour and Wait in London’s Shoreditch.
