Christmas 2020 is certainly going to be one to remember. Amidst all the talk of R-rates and social distancing, the holiday season has crept up quietly this year and even the most organised of us are only now starting the strenuous task of present buying, as well as stocking the cupboards full of goodies for the family to enjoy over the festive period. While we’ve always been passionate about supporting our local trade, it is more important than ever this year to shop local where we can to help the wonderful businesses in our borough stay afloat during this uncertain time. Here’s six ways you can support local businesses in the Causeway Coast & Glens this Christmas:

Buy something from an independent retailer/shop offline/visit your local town centre:

Subject to public health restrictions and adhering to all guidelines, shut down your browsers, get wrapped and masked up and hit the high street of your hometown to support the independent retailers. And if you can’t manage that there are plenty of opportunities to support local online too!

 
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Think Creative:

Whether you’re searching for quaint stocking fillers or gifting someone you love with a carefully crafted handmade product, you’ll find an abundance of talented crafters, makers, photographers and artists in the area, each offering something unique to suit everyone’s tastes. You can now shop a wide range of Northern Irish made or designed gifts via Naturally North Coast & Glens online Artisan Market! Choose from food hampers, skin care & beauty products, clothing, jewellery, wall prints and more on this fantastic catalogue of artisan makers!

Use local produce for your festive meals:

If it’s affordable, swap the supermarket for your local farm shop this Christmas and stock up award-winning local produce and treat the family to a unique culinary experience. Taste Causeway, a local organisation supporting producers and eateries in the area, is a fantastic resource for learning more about our world class food and drink with hampers and gift vouchers available from www.tastecauseway.com. We’ll also be hosting some festive foodie inspo from Paula McIntyre on our Youtube channel as part of our virtual Christmas programme this year.

 
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Buy it forward for someone special:

Your loved ones might not be able to stay at their favourite hotel or eat at their favourite restaurants right now, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be able to in the very near future! Give them something to look forward to by treating them to a voucher for their favourite boutique, a place they love to stay, or that restaurant they rave about. There’s even an official Causeway Coast & Glens gift card which can be redeemed in various independent businesses across the Borough!

Take advantage of what’s open:

At the time of writing, a lot of our local businesses remain closed due to COVID-19 restrictions, but some restaurants and cafes are offering take-out and delivery services. Christmas shopping is exhausting, so treat yourself to a nice meal after a day out in the shops (even if they’re online) by ordering a take away from your favourite local restaurant. (Go on! You deserve it!)

Leave a review for a business you love: Perhaps one of the most effective ways to help your favourite local businesses is to leave them a glowing review on their social media pages or Google listings. Virtually every business has some form of online presence these days, so if you have a favourite hotel, restaurant, pub, café, shop, tour guide or any other business you feel deserves a pat on the back, get logged on and get leaving your comments! Not only will it encourage others to avail of a business’s products and services, but it will give the staff and owners a much-needed morale boost in what has been a stressful year.  

As always, remember to wash your hands, practice social distancing and wear face coverings whilst shopping or visiting public areas in the borough (or wherever you are).

Check our Tourism Updates page for the latest on restrictions and public health guidelines in Northern Ireland. #HandsFaceSpace