This week a vitural high street service launched in Colchester with the aim of supporting independent businesses.

Click It Local launched in the town on Wednesday.

The service looks to help out independent businesses who remain closed due to lockdown restrictions.

Residents anywhere in the town and surrounding area can purchase goods from any participating shop and have it delivered on the same day.

From weekly food essentials, gifts and treats to last-minute basics, customers can buy everything they need from a wide range of places.

The scheme has been announced in partnership with Colchester Borough Council and the Our Colchester BID, who are helping with retailer acquisition and engagement.

Stores who have signed up include Becana’s café, Darcy’s Traditional Sweet Shoppe, and Crystal Dreams.

Steve Koch, founder of Click It Local, said: “I love shopping locally, so wanted to find a way to help small shops offer the same level of speed and convenience that today’s online customers have come to expect. Our aim is to ensure we can all continue to shop local, support independent shops and provide for the local community.”

A Colchester Borough Council Spokesman said: “We are really pleased to help bring ‘Click it Local’ to Colchester. This is a real boost to Colchester’s independent retailers and will help retain the character and heritage of small shopping streets in the town.

“It is also an opportunity for local people to discover the rich source of independent shops not only in Colchester, but across north Essex, with Amazon-style consolidation and delivery service. Initiatives like this are crucial to retaining jobs and assisting the High Street’s recovery following lockdown.”

Twenty-three stores have already signed up to Click it Local Colchester.

Those signed up inlude:

  • An Ethical Life
  • Becana’s
  • Bill & Berts
  • Caffe Sala
  • Crystal Dreams 
  • Darcy's Traditional Sweet Shoppe 
  • In Crust We Trust
  • Island Natural Soap 
  • H.Gunton 
  • La Luna Macarons
  • Luxuriously Pampered 
  • Melt My Melts 
  • Pirates and Princesses 
  • Quarters Home Shop
  • Ravenous Fudge
  • Super Shop
  • Style Essential
  • Taspas 
  • The Little Scent Co
  • Victoria Yum

For a full list visit https://www.clickitlocal.co.uk/colchester/