A stalwart of Aberdeen’s retail community is urging shoppers to buy their Christmas presents from local independent shops this year to boost the city’s economy.
But Norman Esslemont, owner of Esslemont’s clothes shop on Thistle Street, also revealed another motive to buy local this year – he will be donating 10% of his profits next Saturday to helping vulnerable people in need.
He will also be donating all five pence bag charges to Aberdeen care charity VSA.
Mr Esslemont hopes the gesture will help people in the city while also promoting small businesses in the run up to the festive period.
The shopkeeper, whose family have been in the trade since the 19th century, said that the downturn in the oil and gas industry had caused a drop in customer numbers.
“It’s been a bit tougher across the sector in Aberdeen since the downturn and it’s important that people know how spending money in local shops benefits the whole city,” he said.
“It puts wages in people’s pockets who then go and spend them in other parts.
“It’s also important to remember the less fortunate at this time of year and that’s why we’ve chosen to donate to VSA.
“VSA has always been a charity close to my family’s heart given that it helps people in the local area.
“We are following in an American tradition called small business Saturday that encourages local people to use shops in their area.”
Queens Cross, Hazlehead and Ashley councillor Ross Thomson said he fully supported Mr Esslemont’s call to shop local.
“This is an issue I’m very passionate about,” he said.
“In Aberdeen we are blessed with a great variety of local independent shops that offer a service and quality that you don’t get from chain stores.
“It’s been sad to see some of the big supermarkets and chain stores take away custom from these shops which really give the city an identity.
“I fully support Mr Esslemont’s call.”
A spokeswoman for VSA said they were “delighted” that Mr Esslemont had chosen to support the charity.