Bolton encouraged to ‘shop small’ this Christmas

With the re-opening of retail, shoppers are being encouraged to support local independent businesses and ‘shop small’.

Small Business Saturday takes place on Saturday, December 5 and is a national campaign to highlight the importance of supporting small businesses.  

Many of our local small businesses have had to adapt during the Coronavirus pandemic including Sushma Solanki, the owner of events catering company Sushma’s Snacks.

When COVID hit, Sushma’s regular commercial customer base disappeared almost overnight as cancelled bookings cleared her future order book. 

With the delivery of her future services restricted, Sushma had to respond and react immediately to an extremely challenging operating environment by adapting the business.  She was able to diversify her business quickly to offer an online shop selling spice mixes.

Sushma said: “As a Bolton resident, I am passionate about my town and the local community and think that it is hugely important that we support each other and other businesses at this time. 

“The pandemic has hit our community hard but I see myself as fortunate and that despite the challenges and stresses, I can continue to trade and make plans for the future, doing what I love doing, just a little bit differently for now."

Bolton Council leader, Cllr David Greenhalgh, said: “Small businesses are the heart of our community and this year we know they need our support more than ever.

“I encourage residents to support them whilst doing their Christmas shopping. Many small businesses also sell online for those shielding, isolating or who prefer to avoid high-street shopping.”   

The Small Business Saturday website includes a small business finder which allows consumers to use their postcode to find local retailers. 

Published: 4th December 2020