Over 100 business launch FiverFest to support the Independant High Street

With the big increases in inflation across the UK, you could be forgiven for thinking that independent shops on your local high street would be the last place to pick up a bargain this Autumn. But you would be surprised! Over 100 shops and businesses in Whitstable & Tankerton have banded together via the national Totally Locally FIVER FEST scheme to bring special £5 deals to customers old and new. Proving small shops can be great value, but also that they care about the people that live in our town.

“Independent shops are key parts of our community” said Chris Sands of the Totally Locally national campaign. “Not only do they make our high streets and towns better places to live and work, but these businesses also contribute hugely to our local economy. They never take the support they get from local people for granted, and Fiver Fest is a way of paying a little back to those customers.”

“With the economic turmoil that is happening at the moment, it’s more important than ever for local businesses to think and work together” said Cllr Chris Cornell “so Whitstable businesses are putting on lots of great £5 offers to say thank you to our customers, to give back to Whitstable and to support our communities as a whole, whilst keeping our high street alive”.

“This is our first Fiver Fest but elsewhere they happen up to three times per year and could play a really important part in helping extend the season. So this is a little nudge to say ‘Our local businesses are still here, we are still serving our community and we appreciate your support. And of course we are great value!”.

Lisa Fuertado, owner of Fuschia Green on Canterbury Road said “football is the lifeblood of a vibrant high street. FiverFest is a perfect opportunity to reconnect with a wide range of local, independent business and show them the love and strength of our community”.

FIVER FEST is a free to join campaign, devised and run by Totally Locally, a Grass Roots High Street Organisation that has been helping businesses and High Streets to help themselves since 2010 with incredible results. In Whitstable, Cllr Chris Cornell decided to bring business together after he saw how rising energy prices were hitting local traders. Fiver Fest is based around the now famous Totally Locally £5 message:

“If every adult in Whitstable spent just £5 per week in their local independent shops and businesses, it would mean £6.3 million per year going directly into our local economy. Which can lead to more jobs, a better high street, a stronger economy & a nicer place to live. Makes you think doesn’t it?!”