Jon Burrows urges North Antrim shoppers to back local retailers facing ‘significant pressures’

North Antrim MLA Jon Burrows talks with RetailNI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts during a visit to Fullan’s Foodhall in Portglenone

North Antrim MLA Jon Burrows has urged people to support independent retailers on their doorstep, saying local shops remain a vital source of jobs and community services at a time when many businesses are facing “significant pressures”.

Mr Burrows made the comments following a visit to EUROSPAR Portglenone as part of Retail NI’s High Street Heroes campaign, where he met staff and heard about the store’s role serving the village and surrounding area.

The campaign seeks to recognise independent retailers and businesses across Northern Ireland, with Mr Burrows using his Portglenone visit to highlight what he described as their wider importance to the economy and everyday community life.

‘A vital part of communities’

Speaking following the visit, Mr Burrows said:

“The High Street Heroes campaign is a fantastic opportunity to recognise the dedication of those who work every day to serve their customers and strengthen our local economy.

“Our independent retailers are a vital part of communities across North Antrim. They provide local employment, support other businesses and organisations and, importantly, offer a familiar and dependable service to the people who rely on them.

“It was great to visit EUROSPAR Portglenone and meet some of the staff who continue to provide an excellent service for local residents. Their commitment to their customers and the wider community is a good example of why campaigns such as High Street Heroes are so important.”

Retail NI’s High Street Heroes initiative gives members of the public an opportunity to recognise retailers and businesses they believe make a positive difference within their local area.

Burrows calls on public to ‘shop local’

Mr Burrows said the contribution of independent retailers went beyond selling goods, pointing to the jobs they provide and their involvement in local events and organisations.

“Local shops are about much more than retail. In many of our towns and villages they are right at the heart of community life, supporting local events, creating jobs and providing an important service seven days a week.

“At a time when many businesses continue to face significant pressures, it is important that we recognise the people behind them and, wherever possible, continue to shop local and support the businesses on our doorstep.

“I want to thank Retail NI for continuing to champion our independent retail sector and everyone at EUROSPAR Portglenone for taking the time to welcome me. I wish them every success in the High Street Heroes campaign.”

For shoppers across North Antrim, Mr Burrows’ message is straightforward: supporting independent retailers means helping sustain not only businesses themselves, but local employment and services in the towns and villages they serve.

Have your say – vote for your local High Street Heroes

People across County Antrim can also get behind their favourite independent businesses by casting a vote in the High Street Heroes Awards.

Unlike many business awards, there is no judging panel, with the winners determined by votes from members of the public.

The awards cover a wide range of local businesses, with categories including:

• Best Butcher

• Best Coffee Shop

• Best Convenience Store

• Best Deli/Bakery

• Best Fashion Retailer

• Best Forecourt

• Best Generalist Retailer

• Best Healthcare Retailer

• Best Homeware Retailer

• Best Off Licence.

Customers can also recognise an individual member of staff through Independent Retail Employee of the Year, while communities can show their support for their town or village through High Street of the Year.

So whether it is the butcher you have used for years, your favourite coffee shop, a local convenience store, independent fashion business or a member of staff who always goes the extra mile, the awards provide an opportunity to give them some recognition.

Cast your vote: 

VOTE NOW!