Shoppers urged to consider Dorset's high streets before cashing in on Black Friday deals
Retailers are urging us not to shop local this Black Friday to help the local economy
We're being urged to think twice about spending all of our Christmas budget on online Black Friday deals.
Whether it's a new laptop, smart watch or television on sale, Dorset retailers are asking us to think about where our money goes.
Shop Dorset has launched a website in response to the challenges faced by many local businesses.
It's partnered with over 100 independent shops across Dorset to showcase some of the brilliant products available in the county.
Lindsay Anderson created the site. She told Greatest Hits Radio Dorset:
"Shop with your local green grocers, shop with your local butcher, shop with your local department store.
"It makes shopping more fun for you. You may have less money through the pandemic, but if you think about where you're spending your money, you actually find it's a nicer way to shop.
"A lot of people are worried about spending their money, so spend it wisely, spend it carefully but keep it local."
Shop Dorset was relaunched in 2021 in response to the current challenges faced by many local businesses. Running a small enterprise is always interesting, and this has only been compounded by lockdown and Covid disruption.
Still in its first year, Shop Dorset is already partnering with over a hundred independents based across the county and is rapidly becoming established as the place to find a broad range of wonderful local businesses selling exciting items and services.
"It is about investment, the economy does need the boost at the moment but it's not just about money, it's about making your community a nicer place to live.
"It's enriching your community."
You can find out more at www.shopdorset.co.uk