Visa is continuing its support for independent retailers with a new focus on helping small businesses to adjust to new business models, including helping shops to trade online and keep connected with consumers. Visa’s Where You Shop Matters campaign is on course to help 50 million small businesses globally to adapt.
Homewares and design boutique Hoos in Glasgow is one of the retailers highlighted in the campaign. Its online sales went up by more than 200% during lockdown. Owner Karen Harvey comments on the importance of Visa’s ‘shop local’ campaign in challenging times: “It gives us a platform that people know and respect. It gives us independents a level playing field with the big names and says we’re all in it together.”
Jeni Mundy, Visa’s managing director, UK & Ireland reflects: “Small businesses are the heart of our communities, but we know that many are worried about what the coming months look like.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.
Hoo’s Karen Harvey has been buoyed by local support in Glasgow, stating: “If I’m in the shop packing up orders for online, people go past and they see me and knock on the door to say hi and ask how I’m doing.”
Top: Karen Harvey, owner of independent homewares and design boutique Hoos in Glasgow – one of the local shops championed in Visa’s Where You Show Matters Campaign.
