LBi and the Guardian launch crowdsourced guide to the UK’s local independent shopping scene
#LocalShopping initiative encourages shoppers to share their tips on the best of local retail in the run up to Christmas
London: As part of its partnership with Guardian Media Group’s online community platform n0tice.com, global marketing and technology agency LBi has created a crowdsourced guide to the UK’s local independent shopping scene for the Guardian’s website.
In order to celebrate the UK’s best independent retailers, and ensure that more money goes to local shops this Christmas, LBi has created an interactive #LocalShopping map. Shoppers and businesses are invited to contribute their best local shopping tips via Twitter, Instagram or the n0tice platform, tagging each one with #LocalShopping.
The best tips will be featured on the map, and the ‘best local shopper’ will be crowned alongside the location that’s the most popular #LocalShopping hotspot.
Shoppers and businesses can also embed the #LocalShopping map on their own blog or website.
A number of Guardian journalists and public figures, including Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and Guardian fashion editor Jess Cartner-Morley, have lent their support to the campaign by naming their favourite local booksellers, record shops and boutiques in the Guardian’s Weekend magazine and Life and Style section online.
LBi designed and built the #LocalShopping mapping tool, conducted outreach to independent retailers, and also developed the online advertising supporting the initiative.
n0tice.com began as a Guardian hack day project in 2009. Incubated by Guardian Media Group, under Director of Digital Strategy Matt McAlister’s leadership, n0tice is a digital community noticeboard which aims to help people make good things happen in their neighbourhood.
Matt McAlister, founder of n0tice.com said: “Every £1 spent locally stays in the community for up to five transactions, whereas every £1 spent in a chain store only stays local for one or two. That’s why it’s fantastic to use the n0tice platform to celebrate the diverse UK local shopping scene and encourage people to support independent retailers.”
Kate Carter, Life & Style editor of guardian.co.uk said “People love to rave about their favourite local gems and get the warm glow of supporting a local business, and of a friend taking their advice. This new initiative makes it easy for shoppers to give and receive tips on the best local retailers.”
Graham Hodge, Head of Branded Content, LBi said: "This campaign is all about using the power of social media to celebrate and support local gems like The Bagel House in Stoke Newington, a beacon of hope at any hour of the night or day."
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MEDIA ENQUIRIES
Julia Conroy
UK Head of PR and Communications, LBi
julia.conroy@lbi.com
+44 (0) 7891 193542
