A cheese deli in Northfields is behind the fourth day of a Twitter advent calendar celebrating Britain’s independent high street retailers in the run-up the Christmas.
The social media countdown has been launched by NatWest as part of its support for Visa’s #WhereYouShopMatters campaign, which aims to encourage more shoppers to visit their local high street and shop locally this Christmas.
From gift shops to bakeries, the calendar will profile a different local retailer from across England and Wales each day.
Wednesday’ festive treat is the Cheddar Deli on Northfield Avenue. The popular artisan cheese shop was opened in 2011 by owner Brent Wilkinson and stocks over 100 speciality cheeses as well as fine wines, crafts beers and charcuterie.
A previous runner-up in the Best British Cheese Counter competition, it is one of the many independent high street retailers that the campaign hopes to help.
Brent said: “The high street is fundamental for UK business as it’s where independent businesses originated. A cross section of society meet daily in the high street not only to support local businesses and the local economy but to converse and catch up with their neighbours, discuss local and national issues and enjoy themselves. Once the high street goes we all lose these services.”
The shop has been supported by Warren Bullock, NatWest Business Banking Relationship Manager for West London.
He said: “The advent calendar is about celebrating the amazing work of independent retailers like Brent who make our high streets what they are. They work tirelessly throughout the year and bring so much creativity and diversity to our local towns and cities. That is why we’re really proud to support these businesses and just as importantly, the people behind them.”
Research commissioned by Visa found that seven out of ten consumers (73%) say that shopping locally makes them feel happy, with two fifths (42%) citing supporting local shops and knowing where their money is going as the main reason why.
You can follow the NatWest advent calendar at @NatWestBusiness.
