Taunton’s Independent Shops See Record Summer as Footfall Rises
Local businesses thrive despite national High Street decline, driven by community support and social media
Taunton’s independent shops are reporting a strong summer, with rising footfall and new business registrations across Somerset.
Taunton MP Gideon Amos praised local entrepreneurs: “It is no secret that businesses are up against it across the country — the increase in National Insurance for employers, the tax on jobs, has made it harder than ever to run a business. It is great to see that, despite the difficulties, Somerset is one of only three places where business registrations have increased. We are also lucky to have such resilient local businesses, including a range of independent shops which are putting Taunton on the map. In these economic conditions, it is fantastic that we have seen an increase in footfall this year.”
Susie Thomas, owner of Rocket and Bird in the Taunton Independent Quarter, spoke about the positive impact on her shop: “We have had the best summer in over six years at Rocket and Bird — the increase in customers has been noticeable and other shop owners have been saying the same thing. Despite many people’s perceptions, Taunton has an amazing range of shops, cafés, and restaurants and we need to appreciate that more.”
She also highlighted the role of social media in boosting local businesses: “The Facebook page, in the last 90 days, over 450,000 people have seen the page. Lots of non-followers to the page. There’s lots of people who don’t know about the area that are finding out about the area. And again, the feedback from that is just massive really… to have that platform and that opportunity to shout about the small businesses that are here is just gold really.”
Susie emphasized the importance of shopping local: “People shopping local is definitely helping that. It’s the feeling of community, the relationships that customers build with shopkeepers and vice versa. We offer a lot more than just a product… it might be the only conversation they have a day… those customers become friends.”
She also pointed to the continued growth of the independent quarter: “In our area of Taunton Independent Quarter we do have an empty unit, it’s filled pretty quickly, which is really positive as well. We’ve got a cheese shop open next month and we’ve just had a bicycle shop opening. So there are new businesses opening all the time.”
Gideon added: “Shop owners like Susie, along with hoteliers, publicans and restaurateurs are the lifeblood of our town and they need to be celebrated as well as supported. With the Budget coming up, it is simple. Reverse the hike to the jobs tax and replace the broken business rates system, then we will see town centres across the country thrive. I will continue to do everything I can to bring inward investment and more business activity to our area and particularly to our town centres in Taunton and Wellington.”