Cornwall’s high streets have one small ask for Christmas shoppers

Nobody is asking you to do the whole Christmas list in town. Just one thing. A present, a voucher, a coffee, a lunch out. That single extra purchase is what Cornwall’s Business Improvement Districts are hoping you’ll make this year.

Towns across Cornwall are getting ready for Christmas with their own festive campaigns, promotions, events and celebrations. The BIDs (Business Improvement Districts) will be working with partners to show off local shops, independent retailers, cafés, restaurants, hospitality venues and the products and experiences you won’t find anywhere else.

But running alongside all of those local campaigns is one shared message: One More Gift.

What One More Gift is asking

The idea is simple. When you’re buying presents, planning a Christmas meal, picking up a little treat or just enjoying a day out, think about making one more purchase from a local business.

It could be a gift, a voucher, something for the home, a coffee, lunch with friends or a festive evening out. Whatever it ends up being, the BIDs say that extra spend can make a genuine difference to the businesses that give Cornwall’s towns their character.

Why the BIDs say it matters

A spokesperson for Cornwall’s BIDs said:

“Christmas is such an important time for our high streets and the independent businesses that make our towns special. Our shared message is simply One More Gift. We’re asking people to think about making just one more purchase locally this Christmas.

“It doesn’t have to be a big commitment, and we’re not asking people to do all their Christmas shopping locally. But if everyone made one extra purchase from a local business, the collective impact could be significant.

“More customers coming through the doors means additional footfall and revenue for local businesses. It helps support local jobs, keeps money circulating in our communities and gives our high streets the best possible chance of continuing to thrive.

“We want people to enjoy everything their towns have to offer this Christmas, get involved in the local celebrations and remember the businesses that make those experiences possible.”

Shops, makers, cafés and pubs

From independent shops and local makers to cafés, restaurants, pubs and hospitality businesses, Cornwall’s towns have plenty for anyone hunting for something a bit different this year.

Christmas is a particularly important trading period for many of them. And every purchase, the BIDs point out, feeds into local jobs, livelihoods and the future of the high street.

Each participating BID will also be running its own Christmas campaign, promoting businesses, shopping, events and festive activities in its town. So keep an eye on what your nearest high street has planned.