From the Editor: Doncaster city centre needs us all
This cash boost is welcome, but we all have a part to play.
Hello!
There’s been some good news for Doncaster in the past week, in the form of a £3 million government grant to invest in the city centre.
Our high street, like city centres across the country, faces multiple challenges including changing consumer habits and the huge rise in online shopping platforms.
It is a difficult puzzle to solve and there are no quick fixes, but investment like this is key to helping make the city centre a place people want to visit and spend their hard-earned money.
Of course, it remains to be seen exactly how this grant money is spent and on what, but I’m sure many local businesses will be thankful for the investment.
In the grand scheme of things £3 million isn’t game changing investment, but to coin a slogan from one well known supermarket chain, every little helps.
But it is also important to remember that it is not just on the politicians and local policymakers to improve the fortunes of the city centre and the businesses who operate there. It is something we can all play a part in.
Christmas is just around the corner and this time of year is a crucial period for many small and independent retailers.
We live in an age where consumers have more choice than ever before. This is a good thing and the operative word is ‘choice’.
As the festive season approaches it is worth thinking about where we choose to spend our money.
Could you do your Christmas shopping from Doncaster’s independent shops, rather than via an app?
Could we make a day of that shopping trip into town by meeting up with friends or family for a coffee or a bite to eat at one of the city centre’s cafes or restaurants?
Supporting the city centre is about more than just shopping. It’s about having somewhere to meet, socialise and spend time together.
So this Christmas, why not give Doncaster a little extra support?
Our independent businesses, and those who work in them, will certainly appreciate it.