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Shop 4 Plymouth: The new online marketplace for local retailers

24th April 2020

Categories: Visitor News

Shop local, support independent retailers and buy everything you need, from food and drink to gifts, all from the safety of your own home – Shop 4 Plymouth is a new online marketplace that is making it easy to do just that. The website showcases local traders that are open and following the current Government guidelines or have adapted and are offering delivery services or additional services.

The initiative has been set up by the Plymouth City Centre Company and Plymouth City Council with support from Plymouth Waterfront Partnership as a way to help local businesses stay afloat during the covid-19 crisis. The website makes it easy for shoppers to find what they want with items split into categories of Food and Drink, Art and Craft and Home and Gifts.

Chief Executive of Plymouth City Centre Company, which runs the City Centre Business Improvement District, Steve Hughes, said: “Our independent businesses have been hit particularly hard by this crisis, so we wanted to take action and give them the helping hand they need. Shop 4 Plymouth will give them an online marketplace and the opportunity for shoppers to support their local traders by continuing to shop locally from the comfort of their homes.
“People have had to change their shopping habits and in many cases, they are enjoying reconnecting with the traditional values provided by local, independent traders.”

There are a huge range of items available from retailers based in Plymouth allowing you to enjoy a treat at home with a takeaway crema tea or wine and gin delivered straight to your door. If you’re finding yourself with more free time during lockdown, you can even order art materials or plants to be delivered to your home. The website also lists independent shops selling fresh produce including fruit and vegetables, meat, fish and baked goods offering a local alternative to supermarket chains.

Cllr Mark Lowry, Cabinet Member for Finance at Plymouth City Council, said: “Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, we’ve been working hard to support local businesses as much as possible. This has included the creation of the successful Call 4 Fish initiative offering quay to doorstep deliveries of fish and ensuring swift payment of business grants to those eligible in Plymouth.

“We’re doing all we can to ensure local businesses survive this unprecedented time and Shop 4 Plymouth will make it easier than ever for people in the community to purchase the items they need, while shopping local and supporting local jobs, it’s a win-win. What these businesses need now is for the public to get behind them and show their support, using this platform to shop for Plymouth.”

Gary Haine, owner of the Art Side, said: “We’ve been promoting our services online with the support of the Plymouth City Centre Company and we have been picking up new orders. This new website is a great idea to get people to return to shopping locally, but in a different way.”

One Plymouth business that has made adjustments during this time is the Treasury Bar and Restaurant, who have been doing special deliveries during the lockdown period. They will continue to do so on Shop 4 Plymouth. Owner Ben Shearn, said: “Its been inspirational to see how independent businesses have risen to the challenge in the last few weeks. We have been delivering ‘Boxes of Happiness’, quintessential afternoon teas for delivery, perfect as gifts to raise a smile.”

Find out more and start shopping today at www.shop4plymouth.co.uk

If you are a local business in Plymouth and are operating an adjusted service, please email info@citycentrebid.co.uk to be added to the directory.