Love Local Launch Event
Saturday 2nd May saw a turnout of 22,044 people attending the Love Local launch event on Newland Avenue. Everyone agreed there was a real community atmosphere, with the sights and sounds of a street carnival. Children and adults alike absorbed the street entertainment and took part in activities such as sumo wrestling, crafts and competitions. Street entertainment brought a buzz of energy to the Avenue; with musicians, dance groups, magicians and cheerleaders doing their bit to entertain the crowds.
We're proud to announce the winners of the day's competitions as Mrs Geetha Karunanayake, who won £200 worth of vouchers in the Shopping List Challenge; and Mrs Angela Withnall, winner of a beautiful drawing by local artist Iain Cawthorne in the Newland Avenue Quiz.
Business owners truly embraced the spirit of Love Local. Many stores set up stalls up outside their shops and engaged in activities such as seed planting and taster sessions. The launch event resulted in many of the 70 Love Local businesses breaking records in takings for that day; and a large amount have reported an increase in revenue since then.
An independent company revealed that the footfall count on Newland Avenue the Saturday preceding the campaign launch was 4,179; this figure had increased to 7,351 the Saturday after the event. This shows what a positive impact the campaign has had in encouraging people to bring custom back to shops in their area. We'd like to thank everyone who attended the event and continues to support independent businesses.
It was a huge benefit to all businesses to have the increased footfall on the Avenue and it all leads to increased revenue for traders."-
Geoff Waterson, Babes in the Wool
The launch event was well organised and our turnover was up by almost 25%."-
Mark and Sharon Beresford, Madison's Delicatessen
The success of the Love Local discount scheme was also a great accomplishment. The scheme, which will run on a long term basis, allows loyalty members to obtain discounts from all 70 Love Local businesses. 3,000 people signed up to the scheme on the day, receiving their free fair-trade bag. Due to the huge demand for the discount scheme bags, a further 2,500 have been ordered and will be ready to pick up in Love Local stores soon. The varying discounts are advertised in the windows of Love Local shops, and to be eligible all you have to do is show your bag! Anyone can retrieve their bag and join the scheme by signing up in any of the 70 Love Local stores now!
The Love Local campaign has given us more exposure, and hopefully people will get back into the habit of shopping locally."-
Michelle, Kidzone
The day was fun for all and proved very good for business; we doubled our takings for that day! The organisers and everyone involved did an amazing job. We signed people up to the loyalty scheme and gave away our stock of bags straight away. Now every other person has a Love Local bag which means I'm giving less plastic bags away- which is great for the environment!"-
Olivia Beaumont-Reece, Super Value
Saturday 2nd May was fantastic. I don't think I have ever seen so many people on the Avenue! Our turnover has increased by 50% and even though we're already a cheap shop, our customers have certainly welcomed our 10% discount as part of the loyalty scheme. There have been many new faces in our shop since the event. I also believe it's brought businesses together. I feel there is a lot more support from our neighbours now."-
Chris Nelson, Pound Lines
The Love Local campaign encourages people to support their local economy by spending money in independent stores in their area. Community Church Hull runs Love Local with funding from the European Regional Development Fund and One Hull, enabling us to promote small businesses in the Newland Avenue Area. However the campaign could soon be extended to the rest of Hull, so watch this space!
The Love Local launch event was undoubtedly a great success for the small businesses involved, and it's important to keep the momentum going. The next step is the launch of the Love Local magazine in summer; plus there are plans for a Student event in late September and a Christmas event. However the most crucial element of the campaign is that people continue to support their local shops; so that together our community beats the recession and keeps independent business alive.
