Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire shoppers urged to think local first this Black Friday

Shoppers across Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire are being urged to choose local and get behind businesses in their community this Black Friday – and throughout the festive season.

The coming days are expected to be among the highest-spending of the year in retail with major discounts offered as the festive shopping season shifts into top gear.

Scotland Loves Local, the campaign which leads calls for people to get behind local businesses,  is calling on everyone to prioritise local businesses – and the people behind them –  during the countdown to Christmas, rather than automatically turning to online retail giants.

Black Friday – this year falling on November 29 – has built into a significant milestone in the retail calendar, with major brands and local businesses using it to promote discounts.

Kimberley Guthrie is Chief Officer of Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), the organisation which spearheads Scotland Loves Local.

She said: “As we head into the busiest shopping period of the year, we’re asking people across Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire to pause and think local first. It’s the very best Christmas present that we can give businesses across the country.

“Our town centres are the heartbeat of our communities. They are home to special, unique businesses – and they thrive when we support them.

“Throughout this year, we have been celebrating the fact that it’s people who make places. Choosing local this Black Friday, and throughout the festive season, isn’t just about great gifts and getting a bargain. It’s about helping support our friends and neighbours, helping to protect jobs, build businesses and supporting the future of your community.”

Paisley was last month named as Town of the Year in the Scotland Loves Local Awards.

Scotland Loves Local is supported by the Scottish Government. For information about the Scotland Loves Local Gift Card, go to www.lovelocal.scot/giftcard.