Somerset West and Taunton Council (SWT) is gifting the e-commerce platform ShopAppy to local businesses for 12 months, providing another way to boost trade.
The scheme will give people who usually shop online a chance to support the local business community and buy local this festive season.
The Council is the first in Somerset to provide the ShopAppy.com platform which allows local businesses to sell and showcase their goods and services online.
SWT is offering this service free of charge for the first 12 months, making it easier for local people to browse, book and buy local all in one place.
Orders on ShopAppy.com can be home delivered, picked up from the shop itself, or from a collection point such as visitor centres, local pubs or cafés which allow customers to get their items outside normal business hours.
The hospitality and events sector as well as community organisations can also use the platform to take bookings or stage online activities, sales or virtual events.
Businesses registered will be allocated a community officer to assist and support with loading products and promotion.
Cllr Marcus Kravis, Executive Member for Economic Development, said “We are always thinking of ways to support our local shops and businesses and this is more important than ever as we begin the economic recovery from Coronavirus.
“ShopAppy is ideal for people who are not able to pop to the high street or who prefer to shop online. It’s a really easy-to-use system that allows shop-keepers to sign up and upload their products in minutes, and provides a simple check-out for customers.
“I’d like to think it gives our local economy another way to improve sales and attract more customers in the changing marketplace. I hope local traders will sign up and residents across the district and beyond will support them.”
The service, which was launched in November 2016 by lecturer-turned-entrepreneur Dr Jackie Mulligan, now has more than 300,000 users, and in over 150 towns.
Dr Mulligan said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Somerset West and Taunton Council on this first launch of the ShopAppy.com platform in the county.
With our partnership with Visa helping us provide support to more small businesses across the UK, we are certain that this will provide a real and tangible benefit to local businesses and the community.”
To sign up to the scheme visit https://shopappy.com/vendor/