How a group of shops in north Derbyshire town are adapting to their most challenging ever Christmas

Tim Paget
By Tim Paget

Specialist Journalist

Published 30th Nov 2020, 16:45 BST
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A group of independent shops in Bolsover have jumped onboard an innovative new scheme to help them survive the challenges of Christmas amid the pandemic.

Small businesses in the town are taking part in the ‘ShopAppy’ initiative, which allows them to find new ways of reaching customers virtually.

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ShopAppy is an award-winning scheme created to give small businesses an easy and effective way to continue trading online despite restrictions.

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Old Bolsover Yard is holding a virtual shopping event through ShopAppy. Pictured is Sarah Smith.Old Bolsover Yard is holding a virtual shopping event through ShopAppy. Pictured is Sarah Smith.
Old Bolsover Yard is holding a virtual shopping event through ShopAppy. Pictured is Sarah Smith.

It provides a ‘one-stop’ online shop window for every member town and village, encouraging customers to shop locally and online from the safety of their homes.

Sarah Smith, owner of craft courtyard Old Bolsover Yard, had to take the ‘difficult decision’ to cancel a series of events planned in the run-up to Christmas because of coronavirus restrictions.

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However, the collaboration with ShopAppy is allowing these events to take place virtually.

“Having an online presence is a must for businesses adapting to the changing nature of shopping, even more so with the current pandemic,” Sarah said.

Thomas Taylor, historical ropemaker, Sarah Smith and Damion Smith, of Ethos Upcycling, at Old Bolsover Yard.Thomas Taylor, historical ropemaker, Sarah Smith and Damion Smith, of Ethos Upcycling, at Old Bolsover Yard.
Thomas Taylor, historical ropemaker, Sarah Smith and Damion Smith, of Ethos Upcycling, at Old Bolsover Yard.

"What I liked about the ShopAppy offering was its Shop Local message.

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"Old Bolsover Yard has a website but not an ecommerce side to it so it made sense to try and get ourselves set up better to reach buyers online.

"Once registered with ShopAppy they made contact after seeing that we held events and markets at Old Bolsover Yard and that is how the Old Bolsover Yard Virtual Christmas Shopping Events came about.

Old Bolsover Yard is holding a virtual shopping event. Pictured is Damion Smith, of Ethos Upcycling.Old Bolsover Yard is holding a virtual shopping event. Pictured is Damion Smith, of Ethos Upcycling.
Old Bolsover Yard is holding a virtual shopping event. Pictured is Damion Smith, of Ethos Upcycling.

"Working in collaboration with ShopAppy I have managed to support eight small independent businesses taking part. I hope that this will help sustain Old Bolsover Yard in these uncertain times as we learn to adapt and reach our customers in a new way.”

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Shoppers will now be able to browse items on sale in the Christmas markets safely and easily.

ShopAppy is being funded through Derbyshire County Council for the first 12 months.

Other Bolsover businesses taking part are Molly Felicity Designs, Ethos Upcycling, Thomas Taylor - Historical Ropemaker, Oven Door, Bolsover Fruit and Veg Shop, Bowring Butchers, Its a Jade Crafts, Forgents & Vogue Fashions, Hill Top Cars, The Pump, Bloom Room, Cornerstone Jewellers, Martins World Travel and Gifted With Love.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.

Related topics:Sarah SmithDerbyshireChesterfield