In Wells in Somerset a group of shopkeepers have got together to take on the likes of Amazon and Tesco.
All over the UK the High Street is in decline – but rather than roll over and accept their fate these guys have decided to put up a fight. AN entrepreneur has created a web site which is, in effect, a collaboration. It’s local retailers who offer independence. The founder takes 14% of the on-line sales.
You can find the site here – MyHigh.St
I think it a brilloiant response to the way we are starting to buy things. Our shops are a community and an important part of that community. This is moving with the times. People can browse and click and collect. I love the fact that each shop is represented by real people -a clear poke in the eye to the faceless corporates we buy from.
Some great stuff I found…
A Yurt – I’ve always wanted one of those (!)
An Action Man mug.
Fireworks (not long to Novemeber now!)
There is a serious side to all of this though. People generally agree that it’s a bad thing to lose our High Streets, but they are fickle – and buy stuff on-line because it is either cheaper or more convenient. If we can find a way of keeping these great little independent shops then we should do so.
I see that the site is looking to sign up more towns and cities – It would be great if Nottingham appeared. I would certainly use the site.
