Uppingham shoppers urged to stay local and support new festive event

Retailers in Uppingham are urging the community to shop local this Christmas as they continue to fight back against the economic impact of Covid-19.

Christmas in Uppingham has been organised by volunteers, local retailers and businesses, and Uppingham Town Partnership Events.

At the centre of the initiative is the Five Days of Shopping from Tuesday, December 1 to Saturday, December 5 when retailers will offer special promotions and discounts.

It replaces the popular annual late-night shopping event which cannot be held this year because of restrictions on large gatherings.

The offers will be available online and through social media outlets on the first two days which fall inside the lockdown period, before retailers open their doors from Thursday morning.

“It’s absolutely vital for the life of our town,” said town councillor Miranda Jones, who runs events for Uppingham Town Partnership.

“This group of retailers got together as we were coming out of the first lockdown and for them to go back in for a second time has been so devastating for them financially and emotionally.

“A lot of them have set up websites, done click and collect, and been very innovative since the lockdown, but nothing beats their shops being open from 9 to 5, and supporting their families.”

After receiving a grant from Uppingham Town Council, the partnership has compiled a brochure to be delivered to every household in the town and surrounding villages, outlining all that the town has to offer this Christmas and beyond.

It is the second step of a three-stage plan developed in response to a survey, undertaken in June, which revealed many in Uppingham did not shop on the high street which has a much bigger proportion of independent retailers than many other towns.

The final phase will be the potential recruitment of a PR professional to further promote the town’s business community.

“Delivering the brochure will hopefully show people they can stay local and don't have to shop on Amazon,” Miranda added..

“The good thing to come out of all this is that the retailers have taken their time from June to find things out and develop a plan and this will carry on into the future to push the town forward.”

An Advent Calendar event will also run throughout December, with details available on the Xmas In Uppingham Facebook page, as well as a best-dressed window competition.

The High Sheriff of Rutland will judge displays on Thursday and award a prize to his favourite, but the public are also asked to vote for their favourite through Facebook from December 1 to 8.

Everyone who votes will be put into a draw to win a hamper of food worth more than £100.

For more details, visit www.uppinghamtownpartnershipevents.co.uk