So, have you started your Christmas shopping yet? Or maybe you’ve finished, wrapped and delivered all your presents already! There’s no denying that the internet makes shopping for presents, and food, easier and more convenient than ever, but there’s a growing movement to support local business and get back to traditional shopping, supporting high street businesses.

It’s a philosophy that we love here at the Oakeley Arms, because we’d be lost if it wasn’t for all our loyal supporters and customers over the years. We try to buy local produce whenever we can, and we love supporting local, independent breweries for their delicious ales.

So, why not get back to basics and support your local high street for your shopping this Christmas? Here are some great reasons to shop local…..

• Your spending boosts the local economy – for every £1 you spend locally, 63p will stay in the local economy, compared to 40p in a larger chain.
• You’ll find gems – independent shops often stock locally made and sourced produce and gifts that the larger chains just don’t have. So you’re more likely to find a quirky and one-off gift.
• Less transport miles – shopping at a local butchers or green-grocers who stock local produce means that the food you buy will probably have travelled less food miles than from a supermarket.
• Try before you buy – smaller shops will probably be happy to let you have a taste of the cheese, wine or sausage you’re pondering over before you buy it, whereas you’re not likely to be able to crack open a bottle of fizz in the Tesco wine aisle…..
• Community spirit – local shops often support community groups, or indeed host them, like a book group at an independent book shop. You’re also more likely to bump into (and get chatting to) people from your local community, not to mention the shop owners themselves.
• Advice and support – smaller shops have more time (and inclination) to give you the advice and support you need while choosing your items. Staff at local bookshops will have a wealth more information on their books than the staff at a supermarket.
• Entrepreneur – by buying local you’re more likely to support local and upcoming entrepreneurs and craftspeople, fostering a new generation of talent. And that is always a great thing!

And you don’t have to travel far for these gems either. There are loads of great gift shops close to us here at the Oakeley Arms – Porthmadog has a thriving high street, for example Kerfoots, Portmeirion, Glosters, The Lemon Tub and Genius.

So, ditch the supermarket and the internet, and pledge to do your Christmas shopping on our fabulous high streets this year, supporting hard working local independent businesses and suppliers. See you there!