Support our local shops safely this festive season
With cases rising, Camden Council is urging residents to stay safe over the festive season and take extra precautions when shopping.
Local businesses make our borough’s high streets so unique and exciting, however we know our high streets have been facing a range of challenges brought about by the pandemic. Camden Council is encouraging residents to support all our high streets and their local businesses, whilst also ensuing they follow the latest Government guidance.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has been incredibly tough for local businesses. Those same businesses provide the character and excitement that draws local people and visitors to our high streets.
“Cases remain high in Camden and across London, and with the new Omicrom variant the Government has introduced new safety measures and guidance for businesses to follow to protect customers, visitors and staff.
“My Virtual Camden allows you to easily find the best local shops and services available in your area, many of which have a delivery option to save you a trip to the high street.
“You can find independent businesses across Camden, whether it’s shopping for groceries, homeware, gifts and more.
“The businesses featured are all open and many offer online shopping too, so you can visit in person, have takeaway, click-and-collect or have your shopping delivered.”
If you choose to shop in store, face coverings are now mandatory in most indoor public spaces, unless you’re exempt – including public transport, shops and taxis.
When you’re out, please make sure that you use hand sanitiser or wash your hands regularly. Before visiting busy indoor, and outdoor spaces take a rapid test to check if you’re covid free. It helps stop the spread and prevents you passing on the virus to others, including staff working in local businesses.
My Virtual Camden is a shop-local directory highlighting the wealth of independent businesses in the borough’s neighbourhoods. The site includes a gift directory offering inspiration to shoppers and it signposts ways of shopping online as well as in-person.
The council continues to work with My Virtual Neighbourhood to enable local people to shop local and local businesses to list at no cost.
To view the My Virtual Camden directory visit: https://www.camden.gov.uk/shoplocal
Follow the link and click on your neighbourhood to see a directory of local and independent businesses and find a way to support your local high street either in person or by filtering to those who offer home delivery. You can also click on your high street below.
My Virtual Camden covers 13 neighbourhoods: Camden & Chalk Farm, Kings Cross, Belsize Park, Hampstead, Kentish Town, Fitzrovia & Tottenham Court Road, Kilburn & West Hampstead, Euston & Drummond Street, Somers Town & Chalton St, Highgate, Hatton Gardens & Leather Lane, Holburn & Bloomsbury, and Queens Crescent.