FESTIVE bargain-hunters are urged not to forget shops across the Stroud district when searching for Christmas presents.
Stroud District Council has launched a seasonal campaign to encourage people to Think Local First and support local businesses in the run up to Christmas and into the New Year.
It is highlighting that supporting Stroud district’s shops and businesses this winter offers the best chance of protecting them for the future. 
“Rather than doing all your shopping with a multi-national online company, we’re asking residents to try and buy what they need locally in the first instance,” said Stroud District Council leader Doina Cornell.
“The more of us that do that, the better chance our local businesses have of surviving.”
To give shoppers more flexibility, many retailers across the Stroud district are extending their opening hours and offering Sunday opening up until Christmas.
Since reopening on December 2, traders have been reporting a good footfall. However, business owners are still trying to catch up on a lack of sales during the November lockdown.
Laura Holloway of The Stroud Wine Company said home delivery had kept the business going through lockdown. She also noted the support from loyal customers had been invaluable. 
The firm, which is based in Withey’s Yard, sells vegan and natural wines.
Kayleigh Jordison from clothes shop Brilliant Disguise said: “Business has been steady since reopening and we have been well supported by by our regulars, thank you!”
Dave Ireland, who runs Time after Time vintage shop on the High Street said the support from the community had been: “It’s a joy to be back in business in Stroud.”
Tony Davey, chairman of Stroud and District Chamber of Trade and Commerce said: “This year, even more than before, it is important that we Think Local First when purchasing for Christmas.
“Many businesses were forced to close their doors at a point when they had just stocked up for Christmas - the cruellest of timing - and the trade they get now carries many through the quieter January and February to come. 
“Buying local is more than just a purchase - it feeds our local economy, which helps secure local jobs and bolsters our local community too. 
“Many businesses offer online shops, local delivery and call/click and collect too, so we urge customer across the district to keep their local businesses busy and buy local where they can. Many businesses have extended their opening hours to distribute customer numbers, and open on Sunday too.”
Around 50,000 workers have lost their jobs in the South West in 2020, according to Government figures, while in the three months leading up to June, Amazon sales rose by 40 per cent. Shopping locally has never been so important as this Christmas.

Photos by Simon Pizzey.