High street businesses in a North Tyneside town are offering special £5 deals as part of a major campaign to encourage people to shop locally.
Whitley Bay is joining the Totally Locally Fiver Fest, which will run from this Saturday, October 9, to October 23.
And during those two weeks, people will be able to take advantage of a range of £5 deals in the town.
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Among the items on offer for £5 will be laptop bags, USB memory cards, yoga classes, jumbo bath bombs, reusable metal gym water canisters, gaming headsets and many more.
Scott Glazebrook, chairman of Whitley Bay’s Chamber of Trade, said: “Fiver Fest is now a big part of our promotions for Whitley Bay.
"The independent shops and businesses are what makes our town special and unique. The community support for local businesses has been amazing during lockdown, so these offers are to say thank you to customers, and to highlight the great value and economic impact of shopping locally.
"We expect a vast array of independents to participate including gyms and yoga premises, retail shops and food/drink outlets. The chamber covers Monkseaton to Cullercoats so we are hopeful for a really good mix across the shopping districts."
Fiver Fest is a free to join campaign, devised and run by Totally Locally, a grass roots high street organisation that has been helping businesses since 2010.
Mr Glazebrook added: “If every adult in Whitley Bay spent just £5 per week in their local independent shops and businesses, it would mean £9.3m per year going directly into our local economy.
"Which can lead to more jobs, a better high street, a stronger economy and a nicer place to live."
Chris Sands, of Totally Locally, said: "We know Fiver Fest isn’t going to change the world.
“But small changes in spending habits can really make a difference to our high streets. Just by diverting £5 of our weekly spend to local independents we give them a fighting chance to thrive.
"The pandemic has shown just what an amazing contribution they make to our local communities. It’s a conversation worth having."
Any independent businesses wishing to participate in the Fiver Fest in Whitley Bay can contact Whitley Bay Chamber of Trade via direct Facebook message at www.facebook.com/whitleybaychamberoftrade.
