Indie shops in Derbyshire still recovering from the pandemic
Some local businesses are struggling to make ends meet
In Derbyshire, independent businesses are still feeling the effects of the pandemic and facing financial pressures.
Many people changed their shopping habits over lockdown and switched to online shopping, meaning lots of independent businesses have taken a hit with customers turning to more companies like Amazon if they want a quick delivery rather than exploring their local high-street.
While there are plenty of talks in the county about supporting their locals over Christmas, some businesses are struggling to make ends meet in the meantime.
One book shop in Belper sold only five books last week before the owner took to twitter to share his worries.
Nearly 3,000 people shared his post to shine a light on the issue, and dozens of people placed orders and paid his shop a visit to get hold of a new purchase.
Paul Handley who owns the business said the next day the shop "looked like it had been burgled" and had even sold out of many favourites, noting it was a "nicer problem to have." He added:
"As much as we like to have creative integrity at our heart. Ultimately, if we're not selling books or whatever product we've got in our shop, we're not paying the bills. I'd hate to see a high-street that's just got nothing in it."
The uncertainty before speaking out on social media left Paul questioning the future of the shop. He said:
"On the Wednesday, I had a customer come in at twenty three minutes past ten who bought two books, and I didn't have a customer come in all day... I was tossing an turning all night."
"There's an immense frustration because you believe in what you're trying to do, and when you don't have customers come through the door you question that belief a lot. All these things start to come through your head, and it's really difficult to formulate any solutions."