As part of the Alloa First Shop Local and the national Scotland Loves Local marketing campaign, Alloa First have launched their Christmas video with the message encouraging the local community to favour getting out and about in the town centre over shopping online this Christmas.
The video produced by the local firm, Colab and using the talented singers and budding young actors from Forefront Stage School, showcases a snapshot of just how many great, independent, family businesses there are in Alloa who are doing everything possible to keep going through the pandemic.
The video is part of a drive to encourage residents to think and shop local first wherever possible to boost trade.
Diane Brown, project manager of Alloa First said,
“Our local businesses have had a tough year and some have missed out on months of trading. Most are now open and are depending on the Christmas trade to see them through until normality can be resumed next year.
“Alloa town centre is a safe place to shop and we would encourage everyone to come into the fresh air and enjoy the shopping experience rather than sitting in front of a screen and waiting for a box to be delivered. When you buy from a small business you are helping to heat their house, clothe their children and feed their families. But when you buy from a big retailer you’re only helping line the pockets of shareholders”.
“It’s always important to support our local businesses but obviously it’s even more important this year because of the pandemic. Even buying something from a small business can make a lot of difference.”
Hugh McMichael, owner of McMichael’s Sony Centre & Euronics Store and Chair of Alloa First added:
“People forget what we have in Alloa town centre. I’m sure some people will be surprised that this video was produced by two highly talented local businesses, both located right here in Alloa. This is why we would urge everyone to think local first and experience what is right on their doorstep”.
“Alloa has a great assortment of niche retailers who have years of experience and expertise, while providing customers with an enjoyable personal experience that you simply don’t get in the shopping centres. We also have free parking to so why go anywhere else? There are plenty good reasons to visit Alloa first.”
Phil Prentice, Chief Officer of Scotland’s Towns Partnership, said:
“In the run-up to Christmas the Scotland Loves Local campaign is encouraging the public to support local businesses wherever possible, whether in-store or online. There is a great variety of retail, hospitality and visitor attractions on our doorsteps which we can enjoy safely, in line with local restrictions. This video by Alloa First is a great demonstration of what our high streets have to offer, and is even more special as the video itself was produced by local talent”.
You can view the video at: https://youtu.be/Y5pGGfusgYM
