A Christmas Boost From Shopping Local in Newport

With Christmas just around the corner and only a handful of shopping days left, Newport’s small businesses are buzzing. From the city centre to places like Caerleon, and district hubs like Maindee, independent retailers are bringing energy, creativity, and festive cheer to every corner of our city.

Ahead of Small Business Saturday, I joined the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, for a visit to HONA, an exciting Newport company I wrote about in my last column. Employing around 30 people and preparing to begin their international trade journey, HONA is proof that small businesses here can make big waves.

I also welcomed Peter Kyle MP, the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, to Newport city centre. Together we met makers, creators, and business owners who are investing their time, energy, and money into growing what we have here. With more than 70% of city centre businesses being small, independent retailers, Newport city centre is developing a reputation as a vibrant, distinctive place to shop, celebrate and enjoy time with family and friends – especially at Christmas. Hearing the stories of these business owners was inspiring and reminded me how fortunate we are to have so many champions for our city.

That 70% figure is impressive. It marks a 10% increase on last year, with 40 new businesses opening in the city centre between February and October alone. Newport continues to cut its own path, fuelled by creativity and entrepreneurship that deserves our support.

Newport’s success is not just recognised locally. I was delighted that the city centre was chosen as one of just over 20 stops on the national Small Business Saturday Tour. This spotlight showcased the incredible variety on offer, from Wales’ only taxidermy studio to a rage room, a gallery, a candle shop, and a bakery serving custard slices so large they need to be shared.

This energy and entrepreneurial spirit can be found across Newport, from Langstone to Malpas and everywhere in between. At this time of year, those businesses need our custom more than ever, which is why I am encouraging everyone across Newport to shop small this Christmas. Whether it is gifts, decorations, treats, Christmas dinner or any of the other festive necessities, switching from big business to local, even here and there, makes a real difference. It keeps the Newport pound circulating and secures jobs and vibrancy for our city.

The economic benefits of shopping small should not be underestimated. Research shows that for every £1 spent with a local business, around 63p stays in our economy. Spend that same £1 with a national chain and only about 40p remains locally. Shop online, and it drops to just 20p.

By that measure, if 20,000 Newport residents spent just £10 each week with a small, locally owned business, £126,000 would circulate in Newport every week. Over a year, that is more than £6 million reinvested into jobs, regeneration, and the businesses that make our city unique.

So why not buy your turkey in Maindee, your Christmas wreath in Caerleon, your mince pies in Bettws, your tree in Langstone, or tick off those gifts with a wander through the historic arcades and market in the city centre?

There is so much to choose from, and best of all, most of the money stays right here in Newport. Every pound spent locally is more than a purchase, it is an investment in our city’s future. Even one switch from the internet or supermarket giants can make a real difference.