Recognising the essential role small businesses continue to play in our local communities during the Covid-19 pandemic, Brits plan to spend £6.2 billion shopping small this December, according to a new survey. Seven in ten Brits say they will visit local shops and businesses this month (70%), from butchers and greengrocers to hairdressers, florists and cafes, with an average spend of £169.

This research, commissioned by American Express, principal supporter of Small Business Saturday UK, found nearly half of those shopping with small businesses will do so because they want to support local jobs (47%). A further three in ten say it’s because these businesses have worked really hard this year and they want to see them succeed (31%).

Navigating lockdowns and social distancing measures, among other challenges, small businesses have had to dig deep on their resilience and agility this year. Just over three quarters (78%) of UK adults say they admire how local businesses have navigated...

With many consumers starting their Christmas shopping early due to the Covid pandemic, are you expecting strong sales this December?

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