Horwich town centre business urge residents to shop local

The Bolton News recently reported how traders had teamed up to launch a loyalty car to encourage people to shop in Horwich town centre.

The idea is that people will be pleasantly surprised by what is on offer locally.

With sign makers and florists, boutiques and pet shops, Horwich town centre has no shortage of small, independent businesses.

And now shopkeepers are urging residents to 'use or lose' businesses in the town and benefit from loyalty rewards.

A group of business owners in the town formed Hello Horwich, a group to promote independent shops there.

The brand recently launched loyalty cards for a selection of shops in the centre, allowing for discounts and offers at participating stores. 

Photo caption: L-R: Deb Litherland, Lee Lane Pet Store, Sam, Walk N Talk Communication, Naomi Davies, Fire Press, Maxine Smith, Flowersmiths, Sara Coulson and Donna Magness, Just Gorjuss Cakes, Melanie Andrews, Sentiment, Kath Parbery, Melts by Serendipity and Angela Stevens, Ruby Rose.  (Image: Newsquest)

Angela Stevens of Ruby Rose said: "We're trying to get people to realise that there are a lot of nice shops in Horwich. They get quite blinkered and think it's just cafes and nail bars.

Kath Parbery of Melts by Serendipity added: "People find it a nice place to shop, we're trying to keep our shops going.

"A lot of the older generation compare it to how it used to be, they say that you could get everything in Horwich.

"You can get everything you want in Horwich, you have just got to look."

Melanie Andrews of Sentiments said: "We're always saying, use us or lose us."

The Hello Horwich loyalty card can be purchased for £5, or £10 which includes a tote bag which has the map of Horwich on it, and will last for a year.

Shops in Horwich have recently launched a loyalty card (Image: Newsquest)

Shopkeepers are trying the scheme to entice shoppers into the town.

Melanie continued: "For this, while I've had a few people interested, some have said they don't want to take any more from the local shops.

"They don't want to be part of it because they know we're struggling."

Angela added: "A high street that's going well is good for the local people too. If shops were all shuttered up, it would look derelict and awful."

Kath said: "If you spend local it stays local, but if you spend at Middlebrook, it goes to shareholders."

Melanie said: "A lot of the time people come in for a chat, it's not just your business, you make friends through it as well."

The shopkeepers added how they offer a personalised service.

Angela said: "Behind every shop is a hardworking person. People say you're not open past certain times or on Sundays, but we're family people.

"We're just one man bands, we used to have staff but we can't afford it now."