Christmas shoppers urged to consider local businesses
It comes on the last Saturday before Christmas
As last-minute Christmas shoppers set out to hit the high streets across the South today, the Federation of Small Businesses is encouraging people to shop local.
It comes on the last Saturday before Christmas, known to be notoriously busy for shopping.
The Federation of Small Businesses is saying it's "critical" people remember their local independent shops.
Nicky Kildunne, Regional Business and Stakeholder Manager for the Federation of Small Businesses, said: "Supporting our local businesses is so critical, now more than ever!
"We're all experiencing the loss of retail on our high streets, but we do all still love to go out shopping, and if we don't support our local businesses, we will lose them forever.
"That would be terrible.
"It's so important to have our thriving high streets.
"It's something that you can't replicate with online sales.
"So yes, it's tempting to go the convenient route and do your shopping online, but go and experience the high streets and spend locally.
"It makes such a difference."