A new virtual high street service that aims to support independent shops across the Chelmsford district has launched.
Click It Local, an online platform set up to provide residents with same-day delivery of products from nearby shops, has joined forces with Chelmsford City Council.
Customers can buy everything from weekly food essentials, gifts and treats to last-minute basics. You can order from as many shops as you like, with one payment and one delivery.
Click It Local will be rolled out across North and Mid Essex as part of a series of business support initiatives designed to boost recovery from the pandemic.
“We are delighted to announce our partnership with Click It Local, the latest of our business support initiatives. Coronavirus has had a devastating impact on the retail sector and as a result has really emphasised the importance of shopping local and supporting independent businesses. Click It Local offers a boost to Chelmsford businesses through providing an online platform enabling residents to buy from Chelmsford independents and have those items delivered straight to their door the same day.”
Nick Eveleigh, Chief Executive of Chelmsford City Council
What shops are taking part?
Loads of your favourite local shops, businesses and retailers have signed up. There are some names you might recognise from Chelmsford high street such as Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shoppe, F. Cooke pie and mash shop and The Farm Shop on Moulsham Street. There are online retailers with keen social media followings who are using Click It Local as another way for customers to buy their favourite products. Browse the Chelmsford site and discover new local businesses to support.
How to buy
It’s really simple: you can browse by stores or products. If there’s a particular retailer you know you want to check out, filter by stores. If you’re searching for gift inspiration, try filtering by products and searching through gifts available. Need something quickly? Filter by delivery option. It’s a straightforward process and you’re able to buy from multiple shops with one payment and one delivery charge.
“I love shopping locally so wanted to find a way to help small shops offer the same level of speed and convenience that today’s online customers have come to expect. Our aim is to ensure we can all continue to shop local, support independent shops and provide for the local community.”
Steve Koch, founder of Click It Local
How businesses can get involved
Click it Local has already successfully launched in Cambridgeshire, Brighton, parts of Essex and London and is now looking to extend to further towns and villages across the UK in a bid to support local and independent business.
Local businesses interested in finding out more about signing up with Click it Local, can contact www.clickitlocal.co.uk/store-sign-up/ or to email Chelmsford’s Click It Local rep, Harriet, at harriet@clickitlocal.co.uk.
