Local businesses praise the effectiveness of Local Buyers Club
Businesses in Hackney are singing the praises of a new membership club which offers discounts to those who shop local.
The Local Buyers Club, which launched just a month ago, already offers discounts at around 70 of East London’s best local and independent businesses.
And traders say it’s already making a difference.
Geoff Platt, a founder of The Hackney Vet, said: “The month after joining the Local Buyers Club was our busiest yet. The extra exposure for our company has been incredibly helpful, as well as featuring on the website, their in-house journalist ran a story that really got to the heart of our business. The result has been many new customers through the doors.”
Membership costs just £12 per year and the discount card can be used at participating businesses in Stoke Newington, Clapton, Dalston, Crouch End, Islington, Broadway Market, Victoria Park and The City.
Heidi Early, who runs Earlybird Cards on Church Street, with her husband Dominic, said: “The card has really helped us to develop our personal relationships with our customers. It sparks that recognition and creates a talking point. Our customers love getting a good deal and that in turn rewards us by creating loyalty.”
The Club has also captured the heart of Great British Menu judge Andi Oliver. The broadcaster and restaurateur, who recently launched Andi’s restaurant on Stoke Newington Church Street with her business partner Kelly Miles, offers 10% off the bill to members of the Local Buyers Club.
She spoke of the value it would bring to community life: “Neighbourhood is hugely important to us”, she said. "One of the reasons we came to Stoke Newington and chose this site is because it felt like a place we could make into a real neighbourhood spot. Joining something like the Local Buyers Club that links up local businesses so we all support each other and so customers support our businesses goes to the heart of our ethics: beautiful things for beautiful people.”
