Don't push our traders to the wall

That’s ‘the best Christmas present to Chorley traders’ as they struggle to survive.

With Black Friday approaching and a new tier system due to be imposed by the government following the end of the current lockdown on December 2, the call has gone out to support our local traders.

And traders in neighbouring Leyland are also urging folk to think local - warning that the push of a button to buy online could be pushing a trader out of business.

Malcolm Allen, chairman of Chorley Traders Alliance called on shoppers to support the call.

“It’s more vital now that people shop local where they can,” he said.

“And it’s safer because we’re really Covid aware.

“I read a report the other day that the NHS put out from test and trace where the last place they shopped before they tested positive for Covid was a supermarket.

“Local shops are a lot safer Covid wise than some of the other stores.”

He added that parking was quick and convenient and that local traders were willing to order items not in stock that could be picked up later.

Mr Allen, who owns Malcolm’s Musicland record shop, Chapel Street, Chorley town centre said: “I just take orders and phone customers back when they come in.”

He explained too that traders have been gearing up for this important part of the year.

He said; “No matter what trade it is, every trader in the town centre has already got the Christmas stock in because November is the time where everything comes in.”

He said businesses throughout Chorley town centre were feeling the affects of the pandemic.“Every trader in the town centre is losing between thousands and tens of thousands of pounds.

“The first lockdown resulted in massive losses. We were up and running again and we’ve been put in another lockdown.

“The best Christmas present for Chorley traders will be for people to shop local.”

He said some Chorley traders would be extending their opening hours after December 2 to help shoppers get their Christmas shopping done..

Meanwhile, the Leyland Town Team hroup of traders has warned: “As large companies are rolling out their messages about Black Friday deals, just spare a thought for our local independent retailers.

“I know we all like a deal, but without local retailers, there will be no town, without local retailers, there will be no large corporate retailers as they identify footfalls within towns/city’s helped by local independent retailers. This is why we’re asking you to shop local.

“Think! when you’re about to push the button to purchase online, you’re pushing a local retailer to close its doors. Covid 19 has not helped, but we/you can help to prevent this.”