Angus shoppers urged to keep it local this Black Friday

The public across Angus are being urged to choose local this Black Friday and throughout the countdown to Christmas and get behind businesses in their communities.

The team behind the Scotland Loves Local campaign is also encouraging people to spend using the Scotland Loves Local Angus Gift Card, ensuring the money they spend stays local for longer by directly supporting shops, attractions and jobs in the county.

Local businesses and well as big retailers have increasingly adopted Black Friday offers - making it a key part in the ‘Golden Quarter’ in the lead up to Christmas.

Scotland Loves Local urges people to think, choose and spend locally to help communities recover from impacts of Covid-19 and to build a stronger, sustainable future. It is spearheaded by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), with support from the Scottish Government.

Phil Prentice, STP chief officer, said: “Black Friday shouldn’t just be a pay day for the online giants. Local businesses need to benefit too. Whether in person or online, we would encourage everyone to think local first when shopping. It’s an investment in your community’s future.

“A successful Christmas can mean the difference between surviving or not for many businesses. That is truer than ever this year.

"It’s critical for the future of local high streets that we get behind the people around us by supporting local businesses whenever we can, whether physically or virtually. ”

Local people can show support by using the Scotland Loves Local Angus Gift Card. They can only be spent at local businesses registered to accept them, making them a direct way to support local jobs in shops, bars, restaurants and attractions. Local businesses are also being urged to use the cards as staff rewards this Christmas.

Further information can be found at www.lovelocal.scot/giftcard.