1. Independent shops and a warm welcome
North Devon is vibrant, friendly and welcoming. All of our main towns and villages – Barnstaple, Ilfracombe, South Molton, Braunton and Lynton & Lynmouth – are blessed with a wealth of quirky and independent stores where you will always be greeted warmly when you walk through the door.
 Ilfracombe town centre is largely free of chain stores, with most shops being independent retailers, some of which have been in the same family for generations. The town centre also boasts coffee shops, cafes, grocers, bakeries, pubs and restaurants and even a chocolate shop (spot it in the Live Love Local video!), all of which have taken measures to keep shoppers safe.
With the pannier markets in Barnstaple and South Molton packed full of treasures – from scarves to sweets, pickles to pasties, books to baked goods, toys to trinkets and everything in between – there is something for everyone.
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Live Love Local tip!
Butcher’s Row in Barnstaple has a wealth of independent eateries and stores for shoppers to peruse; and with Butchers Row and Cross Street now pedestrianised between 10am and 4pm shoppers can enjoy an al fresco bite to eat on sunnier days, and do so safely!
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2. It helps the local economy
When we buy local in North Devon, our money stays in North Devon and this strengthens the local economy. Local businesses tend to use local suppliers for goods and services – so eating in a local restaurant and buying from a local shop supports lots of North Devon’s businesses, not just one! This means that our high streets will survive this difficult time, providing jobs for local people who will continue to spend money in our towns.
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Live Love Local tip!
Did you know that Barnstaple is taking part in the national ‘Fiver Fest’ from 10-24 October? The mission is to spend just £5 with one of the local independent businesses that are taking part and spread the word!
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3. Competitive prices and special offers
North Devon’s residents might be surprised to see just how competitive the prices are in our local shops. Independent retailers often reward regular customers or offer great deals that can’t be found in major outlets, meaning people save money as they spend.
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Live Love Local tip!
Follow ‘Live Love Local’ on Facebook and Instagram (@livelovelocalnorthdevon) and be the first to hear about all the latest offers!
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4. You can 'Enjoy Safely'
With retail and hospitality businesses in North Devon’s town centre now reopen, plans have been put in place to ensure a safe and fun experience for all. The safety measures, designed to give everyone the confidence to visit the town centres, include a ‘Keep Left’ system on Barnstaple’s high street, signage in our towns reminding shoppers that they should keep their distance from others outside their household or support bubble, plenty of hand sanitising stations and signage reminding people that face coverings must be worn in all shops (unless exempt).
Lots of our high street shops are also offering a ‘click and collect’ service, which means shoppers can choose what they want online to reduce the time spent browsing in shops.
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Live Love Local tip!
Look out for some new safety signage in your town centres in the coming weeks… there is something extra special coming in Barnstaple!
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5. It's environmentally friendly and good for you!
When you shop in North Devon’s local butcher, bakers, markets or greengrocers, you are supporting the local farmers and small businesses, so the food miles are very low and packaging is minimal. 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 our high streets.
By buying and eating local, North Devon’s shoppers are able to enjoy produce that is fresh and nutritious. Many local producers pride themselves on keeping their products organic, hormone-free and pesticide-free, which helps to improve crops and air quality.
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Live Love Local tip!
Community organisation Plastic Free North Devon have produced the #LookLocal directory of environmentally aware eateries in North Devon. Check it out at plasticfreenorthdevon.org/directory
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