Leith traders launch discount campaign to help local stores

Published on Monday 31 August 2009 09:59

TRADERS in Leith have joined forces to promote business during the tram works and help customers save pounds – and the planet.

The "We Love Leith" campaign has launched a special eco- friendly carrier bag, which will give customers discounts and freebies at several stores.

The aim is to achieve a hat trick of benefits: to promote independent business; save money during the current credit crunch; and reduce carbon emissions by shopping locally, rather than driving through the maze of tram works to reach chain supermarkets.

Residents who carry the bag, which is designed to act like a loyalty card, will receive discounts of up to 30 per cent.

Since the scheme was launched on Friday, 11 businesses have signed up and are selling the re-usable bonus bag at 3.50 in the Leith area.

Alastair Tibbitt, development manager for Greener Leith, said: "Last time we checked, the independent stores of Leith were 15 per cent cheaper than the chain stores. This new initiative proves yet again that the best deals are available locally and it gives people an incentive to take that 'bag for life' out of the cupboard and walk to the local shops.

"Each shop is deciding at its discretion what it will offer, but so far the deals are looking good. It's a great scheme because everybody wins – locals get a good deal and shops get the custom."

Outlets selling everything from sports equipment to vintage bikes and groceries have so far signed up to join the initiative.

The Bed Shop, on Leith Walk, is offering a 10 per cent discount off all purchases. Cow Corner, also on Leith Walk , is offering 30 per cent off and Tattie Shaws groceries will provide a free packet of oatcakes with every purchase. There are also special deals on flowers, bike parts and computer games.

It is hoped that businesses of all shapes and sizes will join the promotion over the coming weeks, increasing the incentive for people to shop locally.

Greener Leith is providing a push for shops that sign-up early – 150-worth of free bonus bags.

Mr Tibbitt said: "We'll give 50 bags to every business that signs up to sell itself. So far we've made 2,500 ethically sourced, biodegradable and resistant bags, but we're promoting the scheme direct to the door of 32,000 homes in the Leith area.

"The bag is not expensive and we expect carriers to recoup their money in no time at all."

Gordon Burgess, of the Leith Business Assocation, said he was delighted with the project.

He added: "It will help us to spread the word that Leith is a fantastic-value place to shop. There's a huge variety of businesses in Leith, catering for every interest and every pocket."

SHOPS TAKING PART

Royal Artizana: 15% discount off all purchases

The Bed Shop: 10% discount off all purchases;

The Carpet Shop: 10% discount off rugs;

Arkay Printing: 10% discount of all purchases

Changeworks: 10 off Energy Performance Certificate assessment for properties in Leith

Eastside Bikes: buy one innertube, get another free

Cow Corner (sports equipment): 30% discount off all purchases

Panache Flowers: 20% off all purchases

Tattie Shaws (groceries): free packet of oatcakes with every purchase

Games Master Games Exchange: 10% off all purchases

Harburn Hobbies: 10% off all purchases