Celebrate ‘Small Business Saturday’ by going local in Lincoln
- Small Business Saturday will take place on Saturday 3 December
- Consumers encouraged to support small businesses in their communities by shopping locally.
- This year’s event more important than ever as small businesses affected by cost-of-living crisis.
- Go local in Lincoln with the Cornhill Quarter, traditional Christmas markets, newly rejuvenated Sincil Street and Lincolnshire Gift Card.
On Saturday 3 December, Small Business Saturday will be urging shoppers to celebrate the success stories of independent enterprises and support those that are open for business in their area.
Small Business Saturday UK is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign with the main event taking place on annually on the first Saturday of December. The campaign aims to have a year-round impact on businesses by highlighting the importance of shopping locally for both the community and economy.
The day is the perfect opportunity for consumers to support small businesses online and in-store, with many enterprises hosting events and offering discounts.
As the cost-of-living crisis forces everyone to consider their outgoings, it is vital that small businesses are supported. The city of Lincoln, with its Cornhill Quarter, traditional Christmas markets and newly restored Sincil street is the perfect place to contribute to Small Business Saturday, giving shoppers a great local experience to kick off the festive season.
Charlotte Goy, Chief Executive at Destination Lincolnshire which manages Visit Lincoln, said: ‘The current ‘cost of living crisis’ is already proving to be a difficult hurdle for businesses to overcome. But now more than ever, it is vital that we work together and cross-sectors to encourage people to stay in Lincoln longer and spend more with our local businesses.
Cornhill Quarter
The Cornhill Quarter, which has been completely regenerated, has allowed brand new eateries, businesses and attractions to make their home in the city. Major high street brands can be found here, as well as independent boutiques.
The newly restored Cornhill Quarter provides a special insight into Lincoln’s history. With an exciting blend of modern and historic design, the freshly refurbished buildings have been created within the former aesthetic of the town centre. Steeped in history, Lincoln’s marketplace for grain is Grade II listed and dates back to 1879. It has been creatively reimagined as a 21st century social and retail hub where food, drink, shopping, cinema culture and art collides.
Lincoln Christmas markets
Thanks to being twinned with the picturesque town of Neustadt in Germany, Lincoln was the first British city to set up a traditional German Christmas market in 1982 with just 11 stalls. The phenomenon has become so popular that in 2022, the city will welcome over 200 stalls located across the Cathedral Quarter, selling artisanal goods from speciality cheese and Christmas treats to handmade knitwear, gifts and stocking fillers, all against a historic backdrop of cobbled streets, colourful lights, a gothic cathedral and Norman castle.
A highlight in the Lincoln calendar, the treasured event draws thousands of repeat visitors and in honour of its German origins, traders from Neustadt continue to bring their local products. The scent of mulled wine fills the night air as shoppers eat, drink and shop their way around the bustling stalls.
Market opening dates and times
- Thursday 1December: 12noon – 9.30pm
- Friday 2December:10am – 9.30pm
- Saturday 3December: 10am – 9.30pm
- Sunday 4December: 10am – 7.00pm
Sincil Street rejuvenated
Sincil Street’s historic shopfronts have recently been given a new lease of life due to Lincoln High Street Heritage Action Zone Funding and investment from Lincolnshire Co-op. The restoration of the shopfronts on Sincil Street aimed to uncover the rich history of the area. This unique row of last-remaining ‘back to back’ houses were shown off during a celebration on 19 October at 38 – 44 Sincil Street. The revitalised shopfronts will be home to new, small businesses for Lincoln residents and visitors to enjoy into the new year.
Lincolnshire Gift Card
To coincide with the festive season, Destination Lincolnshire partners can join this countrywide gift card for free.
The Lincolnshire Gift Card, run by Destination Lincolnshire, offers businesses the opportunity to sign up to a card which keeps money in the county of Lincolnshire, while supporting the local economy and jobs. It is open to businesses operating within the visitor economy, for example leisure attractions, independent and national shopping brands, food and drink, services, health and beauty and accommodation.
The Lincolnshire Gift Card aims to support the visitor economy by encouraging both Lincoln residents and visitors to spend their money in the local economy as part of a day trip, special treat or holiday. The cards operate on the Mastercard system – any business which accepts Mastercard payments can accept the Lincolnshire Gift Card.