Your year in lockdown: ‘Shop local’ appeal as traders re-open their doors

The call comes from Gail Cadogan, owner of My Cherry Pie in Kirkcaldy High Street.

In common with many retailers, she had to move to online sales to operate during the pandemic.

But the past year also saw her able to expand her wholesale business.

Gail said: “I have focused on offering local customers a bespoke and individual service as well as customers further afield.

“I have also been able to expand the wholesale side of my jewellery design business and now supply other shops and galleries with my copper enamel MyCherryPie jewellery brand.

“I was fortunate to have a considerable online customer base already as I began my business by selling online through online marketplace etsy as well as my own website.”Gail also took advantage of the ShopAppy platform which was launched in Kirkcaldy - the first town in Scotland to do so.

https://www.fifetoday.co.uk/business/your-year-in-lockdown-fife-hair-salons-count-down-to-opening-doors-3179580

https://www.fifetoday.co.uk/news/politics/council/mossmorran-exxonmobil-pledge-to-engage-openly-ahead-of-ps140m-investment-3179332

https://www.fifetoday.co.uk/business/your-year-in-lockdown-fife-hair-salons-count-down-to-opening-doors-3179580

She also revealed her hopes for 2021 - and urged people to support local business.

“I hope that people will continue to embrace their local community and acts of kindness that were displayed throughout lockdown by supporting local businesses on their High Street.

“The im

portance of social interaction and loyalty are the strengths that small businesses depend on.

“I hope my business will continue to grow and showcase an ever evolving selection of quality handmade products.”

Gail said lockdown also made people re-consider what is important

“It gave us all an opportunity to re evaluate our work and life and appreciate more how we use our time and who we choose to spend it with,” she added.

“I think we need to try and focus on more of the things that bring us joy and less on what results in stress and anxiety.

“The lockdown has been a challenge for us all in terms of our mental health and I feel if there is an upside to the lockdown I hope it is that people are more considerate and understanding to the different challenges that we could all face at some time in our lives.”

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