IT’S been seven weeks since non-essential shops were allowed to reopen and Frome business owners have praised the support of the local community – but the message remains the same – ‘keep shopping local!’
The town centre saw a surge of activity as lockdown restrictions were eased in mid-June, with many people excited to be able to leave their homes and go shopping.
But as life continues to return to ‘normal’ and the initial excitement and novelty of being allowed out of our homes to shop starts to dwindle, businesses owners are appealing to the community to keep shopping local.
As part of its ongoing ‘Shop Local’ campaign, which is encouraging the community to support local businesses, Frome Times spoke to a number of local businesses to find out how they are coping post-lockdown.
Nikki Parker from William Rose & Company said, “We’re doing really well. The first month of reopening was our busiest month in the four years that we have been here – which took us by surprise!
“We’ve had lots of local people visit us – the support from the community has been brilliant. People appear to be coming into the shop and the town, rather than shopping online, which is fantastic.
“Things have calmed down now slightly, but we are still busy – so thank you to everyone for the support. It’s so easy to go online, so for people to take the time and trouble to support us and other businesses is amazing.”
Mark Prince from Studio Prints said, “Since reopening in mid-June we have received excellent support from the local community, with our sales figures being markedly up on the same period last year.
“Now more than ever it is important for the community to support all shops in Frome. Never have our customers been more important to us than right now and they have the power to shape the future of shopping in Frome and the wider area. I know that we, like all other local businesses, are extremely optimistic and positive moving forward and that is thanks in the main to the support we are receiving on a daily basis from our customers.”
Richard Macey from Millers said, “We have been pleasantly surprised by the level of trade – and customers have commented that they are pleased that we are open. Cafes reopening made a huge difference, especially for us here in the precinct. Everyone is sat outside and there is a great atmosphere – in contrast, the Market Place is still dead.
“It is important that the community support local and independent shops, which Frome has a high proportion of.”
