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As we begin the next step in the government’s roadmap out of lockdown today and look forward to visiting our favourite reopened shops, we are all encouraged to ‘Stay Local.’ Many of us may rejoice in this freedom to explore somewhere a little further afield (the excitement at walking around a different public park is almost palpable) but how long will this wanderlust last?
At Team Catford, encouraging people to stay local has also been what we do but it seems that the trend is set to continue nationwide even after restrictions are lifted. A recent survey conducted by Ipsos MORI found that almost 31% of people in London have said they will travel to work less than they did before the pandemic. Lewisham has one of the highest rates of people travelling into central London to work, with a mass return to the office unlikely, we should expect to see hospitality in central London experience a decline and the economic advantages move to smaller towns and High Streets, such as Catford.
The same survey from Ipsos MORI also found that 31% of people plan to shop locally more than they did before the pandemic. As people spend more time (and perhaps more importantly) money in their local community, perhaps discovering shops and businesses previously unknown to them, they build new relationships with the business owners on their doorstep. Supporting a local business, such as our very own House of Catford, where you can have a quick chat and see their hard-work first hand will always be more satisfying than giving money to faceless brands. Plus when you have as many high quality independent businesses as we do in Catford it’s a win win.
This relationship with independent shops is already happening, according to new data British shoppers spent an extra 63% at food and drink specialist stores, such as butchers, bakeries and greengrocers, in February compared to the same month last year. Here in Catford we have definitely seen this support for our local and independent businesses first-hand and we are positive that this is set to continue.
Whether it's pivoting their business in the face of lockdown restrictions or taking the plunge and starting a new business entirely, business-savvy Catfordians have been catering to this new demographic of home workers. Whilst we are excited for a little more freedom this week, we are more excited about the future of Catford and it’s many wonderful independent businesses.