Caithness public urged to shop locally to help firms during economic difficulty and rising energy prices
A CALL has been made by a Caithness business leader and two Highland councillors for the public to shop locally in the run up to Christmas to help firms at a time of economic difficulty and rising energy prices.
The plea comes amid concerns that some shops are closing or reducing their opening hours due to the lack of trade following the Covid pandemic and fears of a recession.
Trudy Morris, the chief executive of the Caithness Chamber of Commerce, said: "Town centres – including our own in the north Highlands – have struggled for many years due to lack of footfall and increase in online shopping. This trend was exacerbated by Covid restrictions and, while there have been campaigns to buy local and support independent retailers, this trend has continued."
She added: "With household incomes shrinking as a result of the cost of living crisis and businesses suffering increased costs and energy bills, the situation has worsened further. Hopefully, people will consider buying local this Christmas in an effort to support our communities and small businesses where they can."
Thurso and northwest Caithness councillor, Matthew Reiss, said: "I have heard that one or two businesses may have to reduce their opening hours over the winter although that sometimes happens anyway. Times are going to get very hard with rising energy bills and the cost of living problems but I sense a very strong determination to get through this although it will be difficult."
However, Mr Reiss said visitors appreciated how "nice a place Thurso town centre is" and were impressed with the "number of independent businesses in the town."
His Thurso Highland Council colleague, Ron Gunn, said: "I am aware of a few shops closing but have not heard too much about reduced opening hours. It would worrying if they are shutting down but as far as I know restaurants and hotels are doing reasonably well."
"It seems some businesses are doing okay but some are closing."
Mr Gunn said he would encourage people to shop locally otherwise "we will lose them". He said with a looming recession and energy crisis the public should try and help the Caithness businesses. "They kept open during Covid and we should appreciate that," he added.