Shoppers in Richmond are being encouraged to buy what they need on their doorsteps.

High streets across the country are in need of a boost after months of closure due to Covid-19.

Shop Local Week runs until Sunday, August 16 and aims to encourage residents to deliver it.

Richmond Nub News has been reporting on the changing face of the town's high street - and we also run a free business directory to give Richmond companies a promotional boost.

If you run a business or offer a professional service in Richmond, we'd love to support you.

Visit our Local List page where you can join our growing network of businesses by clicking 'Nub It' and entering a few details. If you are looking to shop local, why not check it out and see if you can find what you're looking for?

Latest news from Richmond's high street:

Reopening announced for Argentine steakhouse in heart of Richmond

Greek restaurant in Richmond sets September date to reopen

Flight Centre reveals 'innovative new plans' to reopen Richmond store

Three more high street names close Richmond branches

Darren Bartlett Real Estate is one of the latest businesses to join our Local List. Mr Barlett and his partner Anna provide a personal, boutique home selling experience.

Shop Local Week is a government campaign alongside Eat Out to Help Out.

These are just eight reasons to shop locally in Richmond.

1. Help the high street and support the local economy

Shopping at local businesses pumps money into the Richmond economy, and by spending money in their local shop, restaurant, café or pub, shoppers can do their bit to aid our national recovery across the country.

1. Save jobs – and create even more

Supporting our high streets creates jobs in communities, supporting often young and disadvantaged people to find employment. Helping to grow the number of jobs in each area makes for a better place to live and work, which then creates a healthy economy for the community.

1. Great deals

People might be surprised to see just how competitive the prices are in your local shops. Independent retailers often reward regular customers, while others often provide great deals that can't be found in major outlets – meaning people save money as they spend. Consumers can also save money eating out - the Eat Out to Help Out discount scheme is saving diners up to £10 per head on eat-in meals on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays in one of the 73,000 participating businesses.

1. A safe way to shop

Businesses across the country have been following government guidance and implementing a range of measures to ensure people are safe while they shop, such as customer limits inside the store, plastic partitions at tills and hand sanitizing stations.

1. Preserving the heart of the community

A thriving high street is key to boosting the potential of a village or town where people can socialise as well as shop. Local businesses also generate revenue to support council services such as libraries, parks and roads that benefit communities across the UK.

1. Spoilt for choice

Small and local businesses often stock items which are made locally and aren't available elsewhere else, providing a great range of choice and unique products that bring much-needed originality and variety into communities – including rare finds and items that aren't mass produced.

1. A better shopping experience

Small businesses are often run by people who live nearby. As the UK continues to recover from the pandemic, the experience of buying locally from a friendly face offers a dose of normality that many people may have missed.

1. Help the environment

Local shops often source their goods locally, helping to reduce their carbon footprint. When shopping local, people are also more likely to walk or cycle to get there – doing their bit to reduce air pollution, reduce traffic and improve the quality of the nation's high streets.

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