ASHTON town centre is set to benefit from the return of the Totally Locally National Magic Tenner campaign, an initiative designed to support independent businesses and encourage community shopping.
Running from March 1 to 16, the campaign will see Ashton joining over 50 towns across the UK in a bid to revitalise the high street.
Shops and businesses across Ashton will be offering fantastic £10 deals, enticing shoppers to spend locally while giving the town’s economy a well-needed boost.
If every adult in Ashton took part by spending just £10 during the two-week period, it could generate a significant uplift for local businesses.
“But that boost is much bigger than just the £10 you spend,” explained local organiser Valerie Unwin of Decisions Clothing. “Most independent businesses buy from other local businesses too. So, when you spend £10 in one shop, it enables them to keep buying from their suppliers, creating a cycle where money circulates within Ashton’s local economy. This is important as it strengthens our high street and helps hundreds of small businesses to thrive, making Ashton a better place to live, work, and visit.”
She added, “Buying online or from big national chains and supermarkets has a much smaller effect, as most of that money leaves the local economy immediately. Keeping our spending local ensures that the ‘money-go-round’ continues to fuel Ashton’s prosperity. And who doesn’t want a thriving town?”
The principle of the ‘money-go-round’ is backed by research from The New Economics Foundation, which found that £10 spent in a local independent business can circulate up to five times, effectively putting £50 back into the community.
Chris Sands, founder of Totally Locally, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “We are always blown away by the response from independent businesses to our campaigns, as well as the reports of increased footfall and sales, especially during these challenging economic times. The Magic Tenner event is a great way for shops to support their communities by offering fantastic deals, while also allowing the community to support the businesses that make our towns unique and vibrant. It really is a win-win situation!”