Christmas shopping, as everyone knows, can be challenging. The cost, the crowds, the congestion, packed car parks, queues at the tills - the list goes on.
But it doesn't have to be like that. The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) invited local MP, Mark Garnier, to pop into his local town centres to see what was on offer.
Our shopping trip began in Bewdley where Mark met local FSB member Tony Thompson, who runs a thriving farm shop, specialising in top quality local produce straight from the farm and compostable brown paper bag packaging, all served by his friendly team of local staff. We moved on to Kidderminster where Mark met Stephen Ray who runs A Ray Bakery in Peel Street. To step through the door takes any customer back a few years as the shop has the most wonderful traditional feel to it and the smell of just baked bread, pastries and cakes is delicious.
Following Ray's Bakery, and a delicious sausage roll, Mark went on to visit Robin and Vivienne Lapham at The Antique Centre in Lion Street and what a treasure trove, something for every taste and much of it being very affordable. Antique jewellery, clothing and tableware are unique presents to give, whilst Mr and Mrs Lapham can tell customers so much about the background to the antiques on sale.
We then moved on to Stourport on Severn, visiting David Allcock's outdoor sports shop and Matthew Worley's, musical instrument shop. Mark thoroughly enjoyed both of these hobby type shops, where he bought Christmas presents for family and discussed future guitar lessons and even the possibility of buying a full drum kit!
Our shopping expedition ended with a visit to James Perry's shop in Areley Common. James sells just about every food stuff and household need from his tardis like village shop. From the front It looks just like any other shop but don't be fooled, he even has a hot food counter and makes up sandwiches, rolls, pizza and so on every day for local customers to enjoy at home, work or on the road. When we visited the shop was packed with delicious seasonal treats, gift ideas and some very good prices on Christmas essentials.
Mark, an enthusiastic shopper, enjoyed the day immensely, being particularly impressed with both the range of goods and competitive prices and also the very courteous and helpful service at each of the independents visited.
Mark Garnier commented: "I use my local shops whenever I can and know many of the business owners, but today has taken me to one or two hidden gems, which I will certainly recommend to my friends, it's amazing how much is on offer right on our doorstep!"
Judi Brazkiewicz, FSB Chairman for Worcestershire said: "I would like to personally thank Mark Garnier and the FSB members who made this day the success it was.
"Although our MP Christmas shopping day was a bit of fun, the whole issue around shopping locally is a very serious one. Customers have the power to support local shops and in doing so do much more than simply buy goods. Retailers work in an increasingly competitive world, as customers we, collectively, have the means to help keep our town centres open, local people in work and our shops vibrant and interesting places to visit."