Ely residents can give a double gift this Christmas by stocking up on goodies from local businesses – all at the click of a button.
Supporting Ely’s independent businesses is easier than ever before, thanks to a one-stop-shop that delivers local produce straight to your door.
And by shopping locally for festive groceries and gifts, you are not only gifting the recipient but also helping our local businesses flourish and keeping people employed in our community.
Ely My Shop Is Local has just expanded its services to cater for busy or housebound residents, who may not get the chance to shop in the city centre during the day.
Customers can now combine their shopping from multiple stores into just one order, choosing not only free same day click and collect but also free same day delivery, as long as they live within 15 miles of Ely.
In addition, they can pick an hour in which they would like to have their groceries delivered.
Martina Jenssen, who runs the family business with husband Ivar, says: “If you change your mind about your purchase you can benefit from free returns as well.
“Anyone living within 15 miles of Ely can now shop locally with the city’s independent local shops in the comfort of a sofa, on the train on the way to work or during a lunch break.
“Support local by shopping local. Help our independents and our city centre.”
My Shop is Local only works with local independent shops or locally owned and operated franchises. It does not support national chains or internet based retailers.
Shops signed up to the scheme include Bent & Cornwell Quality Meats, Cloisters Art & Antique Centre, Ely Fudge Company, Endless Creations, Handmade Hotspot, Ian Stacey Photography, Italian Jewellery, Jurassic Bark, Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shoppe, Razamatazz Magic Emporium, Spar Ely, Subway Ely, The Motorist Centre, The Treasure Chest and Tickets Ely Events.
According to statistics, over 88% of Ely’s workforce travels out of town for their employment. Others have limited transport, childcare commitment or may not be able to get into town, Martina says.
“We are trying to move the trade from the ‘worldwide’ internet to our local shops. We want to change people’s habits and their view on shopping.”
The Jenssens hope that by promoting small independent shops through their shopping portal, they can prevent these businesses from closing down, leaving empty buildings on our high street.
They hope to “get more of the lovely and unique independent retailers to open up in our city and help Ely flourish.”
As well as getting free delivery in and around Ely, for a small fee, people can also choose to have local produce delivered nationally through My Shop is Local.
Research shows that £5 spent with an independent business has a value of up to £25 to the local economy. So, the money stays in the local economy creating more jobs, sustainable businesses and a better town centre.
What could be a better gift to give this Christmas?
