A new online marketplace has been launched by This Is Sheffield to support the city’s independent businesses and to encourage people to shop local by providing an easy collective platform.
‘The Shop’ brings together local businesses, creators and makers from across the city, allowing people to shop with all their favourite independents through one website.
Shoppers will be able to browse a wide range of local products, from handmade toys and crafted jewellery, to quirky Christmas cards and festive hampers.
The online marketplace is collaborating with the Make Yourself At Home initiative, giving people the opportunity to support small businesses, all from the comfort and safety of their own homes.
With many retailers forced to shut their doors and Christmas markets cancelled, small businesses will suffer immeasurably during what would normally be a busy time of year. This Is Sheffield aims to support those impacted by lockdown restrictions by providing them with an exciting new way to continue trading.
This is Sheffield is a platform that aims to support local independents businesses and encourage both residents and tourists to spend locally by promoting the businesses that the city has to offer.
Amelia Selby, Co-founder of This Is Sheffield, explains: “We’re so lucky to have such a plethora of local independent businesses here in Sheffield and it was really sad to see most of them forced to close their doors right before Christmas. In light of this, we decided to launch an online marketplace to help showcase these much-loved independents and to make it easier for them to trade online.
“Not only will ‘The Shop’ provide a boost to businesses in the run up to the festive season, but it will also give people a convenient and easy way to shop locally, ensuring their pounds stay in the city. We’ve already had a fantastic response and we’re looking forward to adding more of our favourite independents to the online marketplace over the coming weeks.”
Participating independents are able to manage their own online stores, as well as be part of an online collective of like-minded people, offering everything from quirky handmade products to everyday essentials. Sellers will also benefit from the opportunity to reach a far wider audience with both sales and awareness.
Independent businesses, creators and makers can register to sell on ‘The Shop’ by visiting www.thisissheffield.app/sell-with-us
This Is Sheffield recently relaunched their Sheffield Coronavirus Directory to support the city’s independent businesses in light of the latest lockdown and to enable the local community to support those still operating during this difficult time.