There an online marketplace is being piloted in Thame. This is great news for local retailers and those who like to buy locally!
ShopAppy, not Sho-pappy as I first read it haha, was created in 2016 by a lady named Jackie Mulligan. Jackie was concerned that her local businesses in Saltaire, were losing out to larger online retailers and she wanted to help. Now backed by VISA, and in collaboration with South and Vale Business Support, ShopAppy is rolling out more widely – including Thame, Wantage and Didcot.
“91% of people are saying ShopAppy encourages them to shop local”
This pilot scheme will consolidate the offerings from local businesses on an online marketplace allowing residents to buy from local suppliers in a super easy way. We’ve been used to shopping from wherever we are – from home, work or on the go. This scheme hopes to help people do the same but buying from local businesses.
The first 12 months will be free of charge (excluding bank and/or card charges), but the first 12 months have already started as that’s the pilot scheme timeframe. So if you join now, you won’t get a free full 12 months. The sooner you join, the longer you can use the platform free of charge.
The aim isn’t to create more online shoppers but to shift online trade to local suppliers where there hasn’t been that option in the past.
There are opportunities for other businesses and individuals too. ShopAppy wants to hear from anyone able to provide a click-and-collect location or people who want to be part of a delivery network.
How to get information about the Thame online marketplace – ShopAppy
Details on contacting the right people are available on the link below to South and Vale Business Support.
Read more on the South and Vale Business Support site, including what’s involved in joining the scheme, how you could benefit and how to contact the right people.
You can also access their FAQs and information addressing the following:
- I have never used anything web based before and I’m not comfortable using digital platforms
- I already sell on Facebook and that seems to be working for me.
- I already sell online using my own website, why would I need another platform?
- How do I get paid?
- Are there any fees in my first year?
- Why is my subscription free and what happens after the first year?
