Why is it important to come out in support of local independent businesses?
Let me count the ways. When people complain about too many chains and Chester high street looking shabby and rubbish they’re oftern part of the problem. Chains are easy; big supermarkets are all-in-one; outlet villages are easy to park in and cheap; Amazon is quick and convenient. I’d be lying if I said I spent my life only buying clothes, food, jewellery, cards, books on the high street from independently owned Chester businesses. I do try though. I’m a frequent buyer from small businesses on Etsy, I buy at local clothes shops and thrift stores where I can (charity shops). I am lucky because we have a decent butchers and a greengrocers nearby. Do I always take advantage. No.
When it comes to dining out and heading to bars though, this is where I shine. I do make a beeline for the independents because I feel I get better value for time, money and experience.
I’ve jotted down some of the main reasons we should all be using the independent establishments in Chester, and not just the food and drink businesses.
Quality
You can expect better quality from a business that is totally invested in their own product and wants you to keep coming back, sampling more and spreading the word. It’s a given. Generally speaking, Independents are buying good quality ingredients and don’t need to pump food full of preservatives and additives because everything is made fresh inhouse.
Variety
There is nothing wrong with knowing what you like and getting the same thing wherever you go to avoid disappointment. However, if more people stepped away from big chains and explored smaller independents it would open their eyes to a world of variety, diversity and creativity. It’s about widening your culinary horizons! There’s so much unique stuff out there.
Environment
With small businesses, you often find that local, seasonal produce is used. The less products being imported from miles away the better it is for the environment.
Community
Independent businesses provide jobs in the community and buy their produce from within the local community. A higher portion of cash spent at an independent business goes back into the local community than in a chain and this has a positive impact. The sense of community in places full of independents supporting each other and being supported by customers is noticeably better!
Save some cash.
It’s now often the case that independents are no more expensive than big chains and often cheaper. They have a shorter supply chain and less people taking a cut. If you’re spending £5 on a chain coffee, it’s likely to be cheaper and better at an independent coffee house.
Customer service
Being served by someone who is doing their dream job – watching people enjoy their food and drink – is a fantastic experience. Their staff are buying into that dream because they’ve heard all about it and can see the love and passion that is behind it. Independents are invested in keeping their staff happy and fostering a good atmosphere. Generally the wage is decent and staff are looked after. There’s more of a feeling that everyone is invested in the business and so in you as the customer.
I’m a strong believer in supporting local independent traders and I think these days I’m often preaching to the converted. More and more people are frequenting independents and being rewarded with a richer experience. To have a food tour and not take guests to independents businesses would make zero sense, you don’t get the promised unique experience at Greggs and Costa. It’s proven hugely important to Chester’s food and drink scene. Still, if you look around at those little businesses you loved because they were independents and had character, but you never really went in, it’s often a case of use it or lose it.
