Why we’re championing ’shopping local’ and think choosing an independent kitchen design company is best.
The decline of the traditional High Street has been big news for a fair few years now.
The internet shopping explosion, increases in rents and taxes, big companies slashing prices, renowned retailers going bust and pandemic closures have proved to be a recipe for dwindling customers and a tumbleweed situation in a lot of town centres.
We, like so many businesses, are looking forward to lockdown easing and getting the go-ahead to re-open our doors. Even if we still need to stick to all the social distancing measures, we still think it’ll be brilliant to be able to run our business in a more customer friendly way.
As an independent business on Tadworth High Street, it’s not surprising that we at Blackbrook Kitchens are keen to help ensure High Street shopping doesn’t become a thing of the past.
We love to have visitors popping into the showroom to discuss kitchen designs, browse samples, buy our home accessories and say hello. We also love nipping out at lunchtime for a coffee, buying fresh bread and veg (that’s made and grown locally) from just up the road and getting to know the local shopkeepers and business owners. There are so many more benefits to keeping it local and not always choosing the big brands. For us all (and the planet).
Why shop local?
#1. Shopping local helps pump money into the local economy…
By spending in local shops and restaurants we can do our bit to aid recovery across the country. Helping to maintain people’s jobs, increasing the number of jobs in the area and helping to keep the economy healthy. Research on spending by local authorities shows that for every £1 spent with a small or medium-sized business 63p stays in the local economy, compared to 40p with a larger business. Living near a thriving town centre full of independent businesses also boosts nearby house-prices. Definitely worth noting.
#2. Smaller shops are still safety conscious…
We’ve all got very good at following government guidelines, implementing distancing measures and keeping everything clean and sanitised. Smaller shops can easily limit numbers and keep an eye on what everyone’s up to so you can rest assured that you’re nice and safe whilst you’re shopping.
#3. You might bump into some friends…
Once lockdown eases and shops open up again for browsing, keeping it local means there’a a much higher chance you’ll see some familiar faces and maybe get the chance to catch up with some friends (even if it’s at a distance and behind a mask). Once we get back to normality, making your local shopping trip into a sociable affair means you can stock up on gifts and provisions, but also have a lovely day out. Just imagine that.
#5. Find unique and special products…
Small local shops often stock locally produced or artisan products which aren’t generally available. That means you can find interesting and exciting items and support artists and craftspeople rather than giant retailers. Like the wood-turned accessories we often stock at Blackbrook Kitchens. Less chance of repeat gifts or turning up in the same dress as someone else too.
#6. You can enjoy the best the season has to offer…
Shopping local means you’re likely to get the pick of the season. Just-picked strawberries, the freshest bread… less distance travelled, better flavours, less packaging, more nutrients.
#7. It helps to cut your Carbon Footprint….
Not only does popping to the local shop cut down on petrol and give you a bit of exercise, emissions are reduced. Local shops often source goods locally which means you’re supporting businesses with lower carbon footprints too.
#9. You can help innovate…
Small businesses can more easily order in particular items specially for you, react to feedback and requests and change their offer to suit current times. Building a relationship with your favourite local shop means you’re pretty likely to help shape their business and that means they’ll do their best to look after you.
#10. You might get some good advice…
As small business owners are often specialists in their field (and passionate about it) they’ll be full of bright ideas and advice to share.
#11. There’s more than just shopping on offer…
Many small retailers offer so much more than shopping. Invite-only evenings, previews, poetry readings, craft sessions. Once we’re out of lockdown we’re keen to start introducing more community events and sociable events so watch this space!
When it comes to kitchens, there are plenty of great reasons to choose a local, independent designer and installer, rather than heading to the ‘Big Sheds’.
#1. You can expect quality. Kitchens that last for years, and will continue to look great.
#2. You control the budget. Whatever it is, the independent retailer won’t be focussed on continual upselling. We’ll set clear expectations of what you can expect for your money and won’t let the bill creep up.
#3. Staff are experienced, passionate and expert. Full of useful advice and guidance but well versed in finding out exactly what makes you tick and what you’re after. You also get to speak to one person about your project, rather than a faceless call centre.
#4. We’ll take care of the project from start to finish. We want to make sure your kitchen is beautifully designed, carefully installed and everything works as it should.
#5. It may not be the lowest priced kitchen, but you can rest assured you will be getting the best possible value for your money. Smaller independents like Blackbrook Kitchens supply quality cabinetry, fixturings & fittings, deliver exceptional workmanship and ensure customer service is top notch from start to finish.
#6. With an independent Kitchen retailer, you won’t be steered into buying something that’s not quite right because that’s the ‘deal of the week’. We believe in delivering perfectly tailored kitchens that you’ll be happy with for a very long time.
At Blackbrook Kitchens we keep our business as ’local’ as possible too.
We often use small and independent kitchen suppliers and cabinet makers and we carefully select the most ethical suppliers we can. We source feature pieces from independent vintage and up-cycling companies, use local tradespeople to help install our kitchens and local craftspeople to add the bespoke details. All helping our local economy and championing the little guys.