How to support independent Sunderland businesses with one-stop virtual shop

Sunderland BID, in partnership with Sunderland City Council, have been asking for businesses to join the city’s ShopAppy.com website, set up to help independent retailers build their online presence and reach a wider audience.

And the nationwide initiative has already proven to be a success in the city, with 24 shops set up on the website so far and five more ready to create their online storefront.

Shoppers can visit a variety of food and drink outlets, with sign ups including butchers Ibbitsons and Fulwell Butcher and Deli, café Wendy’s Place, Thoburns Fresh Produce, ENFES Turkish Cuisine, The Little Refill Shop, Candy Chaos and snack specialists Lauren’s Natural Nibbles and Grazziebox.

A range of furniture is available from Andyman Upcycling, Harrison and Brown Furniture and Reinvented with Love, while Buddin Bits and Bobs, The Jewellery Box, Cherry Blossom Boutique and Resin Sunderland offer a wide choice of gifts.

After shopping, customers can then choose whether to collect their order from one or multiple locations, or get it delivered to their door.

And along with a huge selection of products on offer, businesses can also use the website as a way of promoting an online class or service to a new audience.

Those who have already signed up for the scheme include personal trainer McCabe Aesthetics, Manor House Funerals, Kathryn Forte Massage Therapy, City Taxis, Lunar Vibe Yoga, Out of the Ordinary Events and New City Cobbler.

Anyone interested in joining the network can contact the BID directly or to find out more through a number of free, online sessions which will run until April, go to the 'Find Out More' section to book https://www.sunderlandbid.co.uk/sunderland-shopappy

Sharon Appleby, Head of Business Operations at Sunderland BID, believes ShopAppy.com is a fantastic way for the city’s retailers to promote their products.

“ShopAppy.com has had great success in reviving high streets across the country and I am confident it will be a great asset for Sunderland businesses,” she said.

“We’re delighted that so many of our city’s retailers have already signed up to the scheme, which not only gives customers a huge variety of products to shop for at their convenience, but also introduces retailers to a brand new audience."

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