No, don’t be scared! This blog isn’t here to promote the notorious store from the League of Gentlemen.
While the really rotten retailers of Royston Vasey have made the phrase “a local shop for local people” part of the national consciousness, their shocking treatment of customers has never been a true reflection of the fabulous service offered in community stores.
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In fact, we really do believe local shops are the best places to buy local produce . . . and that they’re vital for the sustainable economic health of communities.
They’re also the perfect places to begin your retail career. Few shopping environments offer such great opportunities for store managers and sales assistants to get to know customers so well and learn how to meet their needs.
From Granny Ina’s Ginger Snaps to wee Davie’s Soor Plooms, small shops can offer an almost bespoke service – one-off and limited-edition items can be bought in for repeat customers where larger supermarkets couldn’t risk buying in bulk for fear of being left with out-of-date stock.
Local shoppers not only get personal attention, they also get the feel-good factor of knowing that when they buy locally, more of their cash is kept in the community.
That’s because locally owned shops often purchase from nearby businesses, service providers and farms.
And the demand for local produce is growing thanks to a deeper understanding that where food is sourced not only affects local landscapes and jobs but, in terms of the carbon footprint of food miles, the entire planet.
There are even programmes being put in place to encourage local farmers, allotment holders and amateur gardeners to sell their goods to local outlets.
Just recently, Spar Scotland agreed a deal with growers, Castleton Fruit, for the supply of soft fruit for 2019, with fresh strawberries and raspberries for every store. Over the summer there will also be blackberries, blueberries and cherries.
It’s not just the fruit that’s diverse. Having a marketplace of different small businesses rather than one central supermarket giant – such as a range of greengrocers, bakers, butchers and cheesemakers – ensures healthy competition guaranteeing lower prices.
Of course, this wonderful service is not only for local people. Stores that stock fresh, local produce can attract business from visitors and tourists keen to explore unique new products and little-known delicacies.
Finally, who wants to face a daily commute to a busy retail park – with the associated traffic congestion and planet-choking pollution – when rewarding jobs are provided by local businesses?
People really are waking up to the idea of a better way of shopping – and the most surprising thing is it’s been right here on our own doorsteps all along.
Why not explore the possibilities of working in your own community with the freshest, nearest Retail roles from s1jobs?