Why Shop Local This Christmas? A Tale of Phil’s Good Food, Fireworks, and Christmas (well it is nearly November!)
Wow! Some people actually read my post last week, and some even said they liked it! I didn’t expect that (let’s face it, no-one did). But here we are, and here I am, and as promised, here’s more of my wisdom for you.
And, for those of you who somehow haven’t stumbled upon my little shop, it’s called Phil’s Good Food and is in Broad Street, Wokingham – in the centre of town (opposite Clarkes) or online www.philsggodfood.co.uk
It’s been a very quiet week here. The one notable event? Finally, I managed to give away that last hamper from “Phil’s Summer Giveaway”– which might’ve gone on longer than any respectable summer promotion in history (unlike Summer itself).
Our lucky winner, Rachael, picked up her haul, and was quite surprised at just how large the hamper was (see photos below). It’s so nice making folk happy that I wonder – should we do another giveaway? Maybe a draw for a New Year’s hamper? I’ll think on it…
Anyway, sitting here pondering, I realised that writing a weekly blog is far more difficult than I thought as it requires me to have things to write about. I was pondering hampers and winter merchandising... so, without any apology (I know it is still October) let’s launch into this week’s big topic:
Why Shop Local This Christmas?
Imagine it now: the sleigh bells are jingling, Michael Bublé’ is defrosting, and Uncle Don (who invited him?) is singing along to East 17 (which, incidentally, seems to be on Spotify repeat, possibly forever). You’re sitting with your family around a log fire, discarded wrapping paper everywhere, which your mother-in-law is collecting to reuse next year, and everyone’s actually smiling. Why? Because this year, you didn’t buy them another pair of funny socks or a perfume and deodorant set. No, you popped into Wokingham and bought them something original. You went local.
So, let me sell you on this Wokingham winter wonderland experience. We independents – we’re here, day in, day out, putting our heart and soul into every sale. Yes, that’s right – we’re your real-life Christmas elves (minus the funny shirts, usually). And here’s why this year, you should say “no thanks” to the algorithmic overlords of online shopping and support the Indies in on your high street.
1. Unique Gifts – Because Aunt Carol Really Doesn’t Need Another Mug
Shopping on your high street means you’re giving your loved ones gifts that’ll actually surprise them. And isn’t that what we’re all here for? That spark of “What in the world?” on Christmas day?
2. Support Real People, Not Robots
Jeff Bezos doesn’t need your extra £20. Your local independents? They definitely do. Buying local means you’re directly contributing to the community, which makes you a Christmas hero.
3. Be Eco-Friendly
The less your gift has to travel, the better it is for the planet. Shop local and cut down on your carbon footprint without even trying.
4. Local Shops Give You Free Therapy (Well, Sort Of)
Shopping local isn't just about buying stuff – it’s an experience. Twinkling lights, decorations, and the smells of mulled-wine is way more festive than the scent of your keyboard. The Amazon driver won’t serenade you with “Silent Night”? But I just might.
5. Every Purchase Has a Story
When you buy from a small business, you're getting something with a little piece of soul in it.
6. Personalised Service – Don’t You Deserve a ‘Tis the Season’ Compliment?
Wokingham shopkeepers are the champions of customer service. If you’re hunting for something specific, they’ll not only find it but might even throw in a few ideas for how to enjoy it.
So, there you have it: six legitimate, fully certified reasons to shop Wokingham this Christmas. You’ll support the community, make your Christmas experience a little better, and – let’s face it – have a lot more fun than you would clicking through a digital shopping spree.
Happy shopping, and may your November and December be merry and unseasonably bright!
And now, a quick note on Phil’s Good Food Christmas stock…
It’s arriving! But, I refuse to become that shop with the Christmas tree up before Halloween’s even over. We’ll be hanging tinsel sometime after the Wokingham Fireworks on November 2nd (look them up at wokingham-fireworks.co.uk if you’re keen). Christmas stock will be officially available from the 5th November.
Right, that's me done for this week. Hope you all have a cracking week ahead, and I'll catch you at the same time next week—same place, same channel!
Oh, and if you’re in the Sandhurst area tomorrow, pop by for their free fireworks show. My band, Every Other Wednesday, is kicking things off, right after the mayor gives a (hopefully brief) introduction. Should be quite the evening – see you there!
Cheers!
Phil
Phil’s Good Food in Wokingham offers a range of high-quality, ethically sourced products, from local honey to world-class cheeses, indie beers, wines, chocolates and much more. Our beautifully curated hampers make the perfect gift, or you can handpick your favourites, and we’ll create a bespoke hamper just for you!
www.philsgoodfood.co.uk #shoplocal #shopwokingham