Oxford Mail backs campaign to support Oxford businesses

The multi-partner campaign is designed to increase footfall and spend in the city to give small businesses a boost at a crucial time of year following a challenging trading period.

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With an Alice in Wonderland theme, the six-week project will promote Oxford as an excellent shopping, hospitality and tourism destination.

Councillor Susan Brown, leader of Oxford City Council, said: “Oxford is a beautiful city with a wonderful range of things to do, see and enjoy. The pandemic has seen a big reduction in the number of international visitors to our city and we are keen to continue to support businesses across our city to recover.

“Oxford is particularly magical at this time of year and I would encourage everyone to enjoy our city and remember to support the local businesses that make it so vibrant when planning your Christmas shopping and entertainment.”

Oxford's hotspot for boutiques and independent businesses is the Covered Market and traders are looking forward to welcoming customers over the Christmas period.

Sally Dear, from Oxford, who runs a new sustainable clothing brand for children called Ducky Zebra, is launching a new pop-up shop in Oxford’s Covered Market next Thursday.

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She is excited to sell her products during the festive season.

Sally said: "During the pandemic we experienced a new type of 'local kindness'. A food package from a friendly neighbour, door-step chats and discovering new, local shops.

Sally Dear, founder of Ducky Zebra

"As the world returns to normal, and our lives get busier, it's easy to slip back into old ways. But in the build up to Christmas, let's hold onto that 'local kindness' and continue to support small, independent businesses, which bring so much colour to our high-street.

"We're really excited to be adding to that colour with our very first pop-up shop in the Oxford Covered Market. It's a brilliant opportunity to meet customers, showcase our products and join a fantastic, local community. We can't wait to welcome you into our store."

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Oxford City Council's campaign is funded via the Government’s Contain Outbreak Management Fund to support businesses at a crucial time of year.

It will include digital adverts on bus shelters across the county and on-board Thames Travel buses in the south of Oxfordshire a well as posters in local media including the Oxford Mail.

The Diary Agency, a creative company, has produced the Alice in Wonderland visuals and extensive video content filmed locally by Independent Oxford and Fortitude Communication will highlight the city’s attractions and why it is a great place to visit.

Oxford Mail editor Pete Gavan said: “The Mail is right behind this campaign. Our city centre is the beating heart of Oxford and we want to see it as busy as it has ever been in the lead up to Christmas.

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“It’s a vital time after what has been a very challenging 18 months. So we’ll be shining a light on what makes the city centre great over the coming weeks.”

All businesses will be encouraged to take part in the campaign by using #VisitOxford on their social media channels and you can keep up to date with the campaign and interactive competitions via Oxford City Council's social media channels.

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