Independent businesses are the heart of our local communities. Behind every store front, sign or online page is somebody’s dream and even a family’s tradition. Through making a small choice to visit your local stores online, you can make a big difference to independent business owners, as this year it’s been harder than anyone expected, and they need our support.
To you it’s shopping, to them it’s everything
What does 'Where you shop matters' mean?
Visa believes in the importance of small independent businesses, as they are at the heart of our community, and help to keep our high streets unique. They’re counting on us to get behind them. They’re asking you to remember that where you shop matters, as through making a small choice to visit your local stores online, this can make a big difference to independent shop keepers. This is not just a sale to them, it’s much, much more.
Support your local community
Shopping local is about keeping a whole community going. Visa is reminding shoppers how much their support means to local businesses and how through shopping local they can make a big difference to their local community
Reminding shoppers of their active choice – by thinking about where they shop and actively choosing to support local, they can make a big difference and a huge impact.
Meet the shopkeepers
SE20 Cycles, London
Since opening in 2008, SE20 has become something of a spiritual home for Penge CC and the local cycling community. It’s a hub of activity at any given moment, with customers dropping in for a chat or an inner tube change. SE20 is more than a shop, it’s a place to share a passion for cycling, life, love and the universe.
Proud Sow Butchers, London
There’s plenty to be proud of at Proud Sow in Crofton Park. This local butchers has been serving the local community since 1908, making it one of the oldest in South-East London. There’s more happening behind the counter than chops and sausages. It’s a family tradition and a dream for the future.
Bon Tot, Edinburgh
You may recognise Bon Tot Children’s Store as the winner of our 2019 Christmas Ad Competition. They’re still celebrating a collection of sweatshop-free clothing, eco-lifestyle products and the best baby gifts from small brands around the globe. For shoppers who want peace of mind that their purchases are ethically made and high quality, Bon Tot is a valuable local resource, loved by kids and parents equally.
Miss Macaroon, Birmingham
Starting out in 2011 with just a single team member in a small kitchen, Miss Macaroon has grown to become one of the local community’s best known social enterprise successes. The macaroons speak for themselves, but the shop also reinvests 100% of profits into helping unemployed young people gain life-changing skills. They’re on a mission to bake a brighter future for the whole community.
Tough Mary’s Bakehouse, Nottingham
Evoking the days when the bakery sat at the heart of the local community, Tough Mary’s turns out natural, additive-free breads and sweet treats every day. A passion for simple, good food goes into every bread and pastry. You can see the results for yourself when they come out the ovens in the open kitchen. These master bakers use no improvers or additives and all breads and pastries are long-fermented for exceptional flavour.
Hop of Hackney, London
Sourcing its items from some of the world’s most talented independent artisans, Hop of Hackney recreates the magic of spending pocket money and receiving gifts as a child. The shop is immersed in the local community right down to the way the design blends in harmoniously with the surrounding environment. It’s a reminder of why we shop local, for the visual stimulation and sense of enchantment.
NADA, Leicester
As Leicester’s only zero-waste, plastic-free bulk store, NADA has a huge local following among shoppers looking for sustainable foods. They come to stock up on seeds, flours, pasta, nuts, vegan chocolate, cereals, spices and more, all of it sourced locally to minimise carbon emissions.
Watch our campaign films
