THE towns, villages, coast and countryside around the Great Yarmouth and Gorleston areas offer a huge wealth of independent shops, traders, entertainment and attractions to be proud of.

To help protect this local identity, the Mercury is urging people to think local when going shopping or enjoying a day out as part of our new campaign.

The Love Local campaign is about showcasing the depth and diversity of the businesses and communities on our doorstep. The area’s traders, who are part of the fabric of Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, have explained why everyone can benefit from shopping locally.

Stuart McGee, store director of Palmers department store in Yarmouth Market Place, said: “Independent retailers give you friendly service, very often with more experience. The value is as good as you will get in the High Street chain stores, if not better. People should use it or they may lose it.”

Palmers will celebrate 175 years in business next year, and hope local people will help continue its proud history.

Its bosses are committed to providing the best service possible to keep customers coming back.

“Being family owned, we can respond to customers’ needs much quicker than chain stores can,” said Mr McGee. “It can happen overnight as we don’t have to go through any red tape.”

By supporting business in Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, the area will continue to thrive.

Nick Spencer, manager of Market Gates Shopping Centre, added: “We invest heavily in Great Yarmouth and we believe that there is opportunity here yet to be explored.

“We want people to have the best choice of retailers possible and for that people have to vitalise and use them.

“We want to encourage and support anything that encourages people to shop in local shops.”

He added that supporting the local economy also helps create local jobs, and by shopping locally, people can save on travel costs.