Lymington's shop local campaign to mark high street reopening

LYMINGTON sees the launch of a special campaign to celebrate the reopening of non-essential shops.

Following what has been a "cruel" time for retail, the Lymington Society's shop local initiative will be urging residents to get behind small businesses.

"Bring out your saved-up shopping pounds to try and help save the High Street," said deputy chair Don Mackenzie. "Although clearly shopping online has many conveniences, Lymington is blessed with a wide range of interesting and unusual shops."

The society will be installing banners around the town to entice shoppers, and 200 posters have been put up in shops and public places with the slogan: 'Love Lymington - Shop Local'

"There are now many empty shops - this has been a cruel time for retail," said Mr Mackenzie. "We are now urging all local residents to 'think before they click' and return to the High Street to support our hard pressed retailers."

In addition to a spot of retail therapy, shoppers can enjoy a coffee outside from one of the many cafes in the town.

Mr Mackenzie continued: "The last three months in lockdown have been a real struggle for all of us, but especially for those whose income comes from the many retail outlets which Lymington is blessed to still have, despite the loss of some well-known names.

"None of us wishes to see the High Street lose any more shops - we must all do our bit to help the local shops and our local community recover from this awful pandemic."

Supported by the Lymington and District Chamber of Commerce and the Lymington and Pennington Town Council, the campaign builds on previous schemes last year and at Christmas.

"Let’s hope that predictions of a rapid bounce back to something like normal in our economy proves to be true," said Mr Mackenzie. "And that we can look forward to new retailers moving into empty shops and helping to further revitalise Lymington’s wonderful and exciting High Street shopping experience."