This year, things have been different. The way we have interacted has changed, the way we have shopped has changed and with the advent of virtual viewings – even the way we have sold houses has changed. But before you press the ‘buy now’ button online, take a moment to consider your local high street.
When lockdown restrictions left us in a virtual queue for an online shopping slot, who was there for us? Our local stores, staffed by our friends and neighbours, who continued to provide us with our essentials during the height of the pandemic. Many key shops even delivered directly to the door of many of our most vulnerable neighbours and loved ones.
2020 has taken its toll on all of us. Stalwart high street brands, whose names have been on the tips of our tongues for decades, face an uncertain future. With the big players in trouble, where does that leave the family businesses and small retailers of our local town and village centres?
Just as no one could have foreseen the difficulties of 2020, the coming year also approaches wrapped up in many question marks. While we can’t predict the future, we can still play our part in the present.
So, when it comes to presents this Christmas, why not look locally before turning to the internet for help. After all, that boutique shop on your high street always did look enticing, didn’t it?
Bring a little festive cheer to your neighbourhood by reinvesting in the community. With that in mind, here are a few of our local favourites to consider dropping in on for your Christmas goodies this December:
Lily and Grace Hair and Beauty
Hair and beauty services have been impacted by 2020’s pandemic, and we have missed them!
What better gift to present a loved one with than the promise of a pampering at the hands of professionals?
Treat your favourites to a gift voucher at Lily and Grace Hair and Beauty or pick up some product for them to enjoy at home. From gift sets to potions, lotions and detangle brushes, there’s a stocking filler for everyone to be found and enjoyed here.
Lily Oldfield Beauty Therapy and Tanning
When it comes to 2020, there’s no such thing as ‘overpampered’, so get yourself along to Lily Oldfield Beauty Therapy and Tanning and treat yourself, and that impossible-to-buy-for mother in law, to some indulgence and relaxation this Christmas.
Book in for a manicure and pedicure…salvage your gel nails and recreate the tropics with a spray tan!
Treat your hardworking other half to a facial and massage this festive season. Relaxation for all, we say!
The Hub Tea Rooms
One thing many of us have missed more than anything is dining out at our favourite establishments. And while government restrictions remain in place up and down the country, you can still enjoy a meal out in, with many cafes and restaurants operating takeaway services.
Hurrah! This means you can still enjoy your tasty treats from the ever-popular Hub Tea Rooms. Call up to pre-order your baguettes, sandwiches, bacon butties, eggs benedict and bagels. Enjoy them at home or on the go during your high street shopping extravaganza.
The Departure Lounge
Aching to be stretched out on a sun lounger, with white sand between your toes and a glass of your favourite tipple in your hand as the gentle tide serenades you with its relaxing soundtrack?
After a year like no other, why not look to the future and begin planning your dream getaway?
Describing themselves as “experts, dedicated to destination”, with over 20 years’ industry experience, The Departure Lounge provide luxury, tailormade holidays tailored to your individual desires and requirements.
Waggon and Horses
Fancy a night off cooking this festive season? Hawkshaw’s Waggon & Horses can cook you up a full Christmas dinner to take away and enjoy in the comfort of your own home.
With a range of other dishes available to enjoy too, let the restaurant come to you this Christmas.
Stephen Redfern Photography
Numbers will be limited around the dinner table this Christmas Day, so for those extended family that you won’t get to see over the holidays, why not consider a special gift that will last a lifetime?
Talented local photographer Steve Redfern offers a range of shoots at his studio in Ramsbottom. Book in for a family shoot or an extra special Christmas shoot and surprise your loved ones with a gift they can enjoy every day.
Summerseat Garden Centre
If you’re finding festive spirit a little difficult to come by this December, rectify that with a visit to Summerseat Garden Centre to stock up on all your decoration essentials.
From holly wreathes to Christmas trees, find your festive seat at your local garden centre. With many more gifts to choose from including candles (ideal as fragrant stocking fillers), stress-busting jigsaws to board games, find something for the whole family here!
Lollypop
Everybody loves a gift from a boutique store. Head to Lollypop to find unique gifts for friends and family this Christmas.
Sustainable products on offer include handbags crafted from recycled materials, with baubles, cards, candles, jewellery and much more to be found within.
Greenmount Butchers & Delicatessen
Pay a visit to Greenmount’s, Vernon Road and pick up a turkey from the local butcher’s this year.
Serving up locally sourced produce, you can look forward to tucking into local matured beef, Ribble Valley lamb, or the classic Bailey’s Bronze, free range turkey.
Another benefit of buying direct from the butcher is that you can ask them to de-bone your turkey thighs for you; really handy for those trying to recreate Jaime Oliver’s ‘Flavour-Packed Golden Turkey Crown and Stuffed Legs’ recipe!
In addition to supplying your festive essentials, Greenmount Butchers sell a range of other deli essentials including ‘Bee Local’ honey and baked produce from Ernhills bakery in Bury.
Pop up shops at The Barlow, Edgworth
…and finally, see what surprises are in store at The Barlow, Edgworth, host to pop up shops and more.
Feel great this festive season by supporting those local retailers who have worked so hard to support their communities this year. Stay safe, and a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Wainwrights Estate Agents.
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