How you can support local Banbury town centre businesses during lockdown and the run-up to the holidays

Three Banbury business owners or managers who are looking toward a positive future for the town centre. From left: Elliott Don, manager of Union Menswear, Barry Whitehouse, owner of the Banbury art supplies shop - The Artery, and Mark Allitt, owner of Revival MK2 clothing store.

The Banbury Business Improvement District (BID) has recently launched its Be In Banbury This Winter Campaign with an aim of showing people how they can support the local town centre businesses in the run-up to the holidays, even during lockdown.

Just a few weeks before the second lockdown began several business owners had said they believed the town centre was on verge of 'mini renaissance' after several new businesses had opened and others expanded.

Jo Samways, a town host with Banbury BID, said: "Many of our businesses remain open (as they did in the last lockdown) providing essential products and services e.g. keycutters, newsagents, convenience stores and of course our key chemists Boots and Superdrug in Castle Quay.

Banbury town centre (file photo from Oxfordshire County Council)

Shops like Banbury Health Store, Holland and Barrat, Grape Tree and Nothing But Footprints continue to provide essential foods and health products as well.

"And of course many of our pubs and restaurants are open for takeaway too. Our market and Lock 29 are offering fresh produce and takeaway food all with excellent social distancing."

Within Lock29, Rustic Bean Bakery will remain open to serve the community. Rustic Bean Juice’d, Jane Elizabeth Confectionery and Roses of Bloxham will be offering a takeaway service. The hot food vendors, Jammin Pizza, Mr Souvlaki and Foosian will also be offering take away, deliveries and click and collect services. For the latest opening times at the Lock29 food venues see the following web link: https://www.lock29.co.uk/coronavirus

Oliver Wren, the director of the Castle Quay Shopping Centre, said: “Following the latest government update, the centre remains open for essential retail, click and collect services, and restaurants and cafés offering takeaway or deliveries.

“Our priority remains the wellbeing of our visitors and staff and we will continue to follow government guidelines to create a safe environment for all. We are working hard to support our local community and retailers, and advise customers to monitor our website and social media channels for more information.

“We would also like to thank the local community for its continued support during this challenging time”.

Jo added: "What you may not realise is that many stores are able to offer click and collect services now - allowing you to do your Christmas shopping in Banbury, from the comfort of your own home.

"We hope that people local to Banbury will realise their high street needs them now, more than ever! Banbury businesses are ready to provide the Christmas gift solutions even in lockdown via click and collect and online selling.

"For click and collect, check out Strummer Room Records, Collectors Assemble, Union menswear, Revival Mk 2, Buywise and Blinkhorns, Entertainer and Waterstones to name but a few.

"Other shops are trading on line like Doodledash Interiors, Banbury Emporium, Banbury Sewing Centre and Sweet Celebrations.

"ShopAppy is a website that some of our businesses are using to sell online too - including online art classes that can make great gifts for people who are shielding.

"So you can still support your local shops by shopping online, click and collecting."

Banbury BID also recently distributed its Winter Guide 2020 to residents in villages around Banbury.

The annual Winter Guide to businesses in the town centre can also be viewed online here: https://www.banburybid.com/be-in-banbury-this-winter/Banbury BID represents more than 500 businesses, and the annual Winter Guide offers people a look at many of those businesses. Banbury BID distributed more than 15,000 Winter Guides across the villages in the Banbury area.

Jo added: "There's a feature on men's fashion because we've got three fabulous men's stores in Banbury. There are features on arts and antiques businesses, hair dressers and the Banbury Market.

"There is also a feature on the Banbury Sewing Centre, and the masks they've made during lockdown."

"It's reminding people what's in Banbury. It's about the faces behind the businesses."