A group of independent traders in Budleigh Salterton have started a campaign to attract more shoppers.

The Shop Budleigh collective will work together to promote the town's wide variety of retailers and other businesses, including zero waste stores, cafes and restaurants selling locally sourced produce, and shops selling arts and crafts made by people living in the area.

Exmouth Journal: Emma Southcott of Shop Budleigh

Emma Southcott, one of the traders on the Shop Budleigh committee, said: “We have so much love for Budleigh and a huge desire to bring exciting new goods and services to the local and tourist trade.

"However, working in a silo is not just lonely, it means we haven’t had a chance to work collectively, and help amplify just how much Budleigh has to offer – including independently run stores, sustainably minded businesses, and lots of friendly and personal service.

"We feel by launching Shop Budleigh not only can we start promoting the town, but we can also look to host more retail events, attract more new stores, and help Budleigh be a more attractive place to shop.”

The group, open to all traders in Budleigh, will meet regularly to discuss ways to attract more business.

Emma, owner of Pebble Gallery, said: “As we approach winter, we especially want to promote Budleigh to the local and surrounding residents. We hope by making the local population more aware of what we sell, why we are here, and why we need their support; in turn they will see the value of having such a diverse and independent-led range of shops in their local vicinity. 

"In an age where high streets are disappearing, we want to buck the trend and help ensure the survival of this long-standing and constantly evolving set of traders – and we need local business if we are to do this.

"We also appreciate in turn that we need to deliver shoppers with outstanding service that surpasses that of the big online stores, while showcasing local makers, sustainable products, and meeting the needs of our customers.”

One of the group's first projects will be a ‘Shop Budleigh this Christmas’ challenge, asking local residents to see how many items on their Christmas shopping list they can source on the high street and in the local area.

Emma said: “If we can persuade people to buy 20 per cent of the items they would usually buy from a big brand store from Budleigh instead, the impact this would make on the local economy and the ability to keep the high street thriving this winter will be amazing.”

Shop Budleigh will also be looking to thank its local customers with Christmas events and instore treats.

Traders who would like to join the Shop Budleigh collective should email shopbudleigh@gmail.com. To keep up to date with the campaign, follow the team on Instagram via @shopbudleigh.