The team behind the Discover Frome website have been visiting Frome’s many independent shops in recent weeks, putting together a local Christmas shopping guide to inspire shoppers to ‘think local’ this festive season. The guide is separated into six categories: stationery and books; clothing; eco and refill; gifts; home, interiors and plants; and jewellery
An economic phenomenon known as the ‘multiplier effect’ made famous by economist John Maynard Keynes (The General Theory of Employment, Interest, and Money, 1936) demonstrates the value of shopping locally, simply from an economic perspective, and the figures remain remarkably stable in the present day: an estimated 50 to 70% of every £1 spent at a local independent retailer in 2024 stays within the local economy, as opposed to 5 to 15% of a pound spent with a big retailer.
Cllr Lisa Merryweather said “We’re so fortunate in Frome to have a wealth of small indie retailers. Frome bucks the national trend in terms of empty shops and our independent shops are a vital aspect of the town’s unique character. When you shop local, you’re not just doing a good thing for that small business and the local economy; it’s also better for the planet – small retailers typically have a far lower carbon footprint. The Discover Frome guide has inspiration and ideas and supports our brilliant local businesses – do visit the site this Christmas to find out more.”
The Discover Frome shopping guide appears on the Discover Frome Instagram and Facebook accounts and also at discoverfrome.co.uk.
