Local retailers will get a Christmas boost again this year as the Council's economic development team launch another Christmas Shop Local campaign.

The second campaign aims to promote once again the quality and range of the county's independent retailers and encourage both residents and visitors to do their festive shopping locally.

The scheme runs from Monday 10 November to Friday 19 December. Shoppers who spend £20 or more in a participating independent retailer in East Lothian will receive a prize ticket that can then be entered into a draw to win a share of a £1,200 prize fund.

The first prize is £200 worth of East Lothian shopping vouchers. In addition, there will be 20 prizes of a £50 East Lothian shopping voucher. The vouchers can only be exchanged at participating retailers and the retailer will then redeem the vouchers from the Council. The prizes will be drawn by Provost Sheena Richardson on Monday 22 December.

Economic Development spokesman Councillor Paul McLennan said: “We are building on a very successful campaign last year which saw more than 2,000 people enter the prize draw by shopping locally. I'm sure we'll beat that figure this year and help local shops have a happy Christmas and buck the trend of sliding retail sales.”

A list of participating retailers will be available on the Council's website www.eastlothian.gov.uk  

ENDS

Issued by Rob Sinclair, Communications and Marketing, 3 November 2008
T. 01620 82 7741 M. 07887675547 Email rsinclair@eastlothian.gov.uk