A free virtual Christmas market is to be hosted by KCom as it seeks to lift festive spirits and boost local business in lockdown.
Independent traders are being urged to take advantage of the virtual shop window, with the telecoms provider set to give its own employees a treat as they are invited to select gifts from those taking part.
With the Hull-headquartered company in the midst of taking its full fibre broadband to the South Bank, the virtual event is opened up across the Humber, and other businesses are being urged to follow their gifting lead.
Dale Raneberg, KCom chief executive officer, said: “We know that times are incredibly challenging for many local businesses at the moment, especially with new lockdown measures in place, and that now should be one of the busiest times of year for many small traders as we get ever closer to Christmas.
“With the KCom Christmas Market we wanted to support local businesses by giving them a platform where they could still reach their customers despite not being able to attend the usual festive events.
“The market will provide a fantastic shop window for independent traders across our region, from Hull to East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire, and will be a one-stop shop for shoppers looking for some great, locally produced, Christmas presents for their family and friends. It will enable people to shop local, which is more important than ever right now for the local economy, and to keep their spend within the region, supporting local jobs and livelihoods.
“Most importantly it’s completely free for any businesses who want to be a part of it. It won’t cost them a penny to take a stall and tell the world what you’ve got to offer.
“To help kickstart the market in style we’re giving more than 1,000 employees the chance to pick a present. We think this is a great way to thank our people for all the great work they’ve done this year and to make up for the fact that we’ll be unable to get together for our annual Christmas celebrations.
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“This is a great way to support the local economy and I hope other local businesses looking for alternatives to the usual festive staff celebrations will consider doing the same.”
It launches on Friday (November 20). Any small or medium-sized independent business - from local breweries to delis, gift shops, chocolatiers and traders who would normally expect to be visiting Christmas markets at this time of year - are welcome to take a ‘stall,’ enabling them to showcase their wares to an audience anticipated in the thousands, and drive footfall towards their websites.
Among the goodies on offer will be award-winning ales from Atom Brewery, some sweet treats from White Rabbit Chocolatiers and a range of luxurious ‘me-time’ bath bombs and balms from local farmer’s market regular Babylon Soaps.
A spokesman for Atom, said: “The challenges facing small businesses in Hull are becoming increasingly difficult. In the lead up to Christmas we’re delighted to have the opportunity to work with KCom as they endeavour to showcase local businesses.
“This project will shine a light on the passion of local producers and allow their high quality produce to reach a wider audience.”
The KCom Christmas Market website is being created by Hessle-based web design company Click Digital Solutions.
Plans include features and competitions, with trader spotlights. To register .