Returning for a fourth year, the popular Independent Gift Guide for Perth and Kinross, will build on the success of previous years by encouraging people to shop local with family retailers and restaurants this Christmas.
This year’s guide will feature over 130 businesses with gift ideas ranging from £3.95 to £3650!
65,000 guides will be printed and delivered to selected postcode areas within a two-hour drive of Perth city centre. The guide will feature as the backbone of the ‘Shop Local’ campaign for Christmas 2023 which will also include radio and press ads, social media campaigns and an online version of the guide on www.perthcityandtowns.co.uk.
Lori McGaffney, owner of Eva Lucia and President of Perthshire Chamber of Commerce commented, “It has been another tough year for our independent retailers and eateries and so we are hugely encouraged by PKC’s decision to back this extensive ‘Shop Local in Perth’ campaign for a fourth year.
“With over 150 gift ideas, the guide clearly shows that Perth is still very much alive with quality, independent shops who would love to help our local Perth and Kinross residents – and visitors to the area – find those special buys this Christmas.
“Ensuring that everyone works together to provide a positive narrative around Perth is crucial, and a strong private-public partnership will help us build a more resilient 2024.”
Councillor Murray Lyle said: “Perth and Kinross has a wonderful array of independent retailers and I’m sure this gift guide will help shoppers choose the right presents for their loved one this Christmas.
“There’s always a lot going on in Perth and our towns in the run up to Christmas so shoppers can make a real day of it when they visit and use this guide to help them find out what’s happening and, when they need to refuel, the best places to eat and drink.
“We know the festive trading season is hugely important to businesses and we hope this guide will help deliver on a successful period for all.”
Economic Impact an Evaluation of Christmas Gift Guide 2022
An independent evaluation was conducted in January 2023 by Perth-based company, The Skills Collective. Using an online survey they invited replies from the general public and the business community which showed that 98% of businesses featured in the Gift Guide believe it positively supports independent businesses in Perth and Kinross, with 40% agreeing the Guide directly raised footfall to their website or premises.
Community / Public
- 67% received a Gift Guide through the post or in a shop.
- 31% learned about new retailers from the Gift Guide
- 21% visited certain shops because of the gift guide.
Retail businesses
- 49% of business performed better than expected at Christmas 22
- 31% exactly as expected.
- 94% agreed that the process of being involved in the Guide was simple
- 40% agreed the Guide raised footfall to their website or premises
- 98% believe it positively supports independent businesses in P & K
- 96% of respondents said they would choose to feature again