Hull City Council is supporting independent businesses by partnering with an online ‘one-stop shop’.
The local authority is working with digital platform ShopAppy.com, allowing scores of city businesses in Hull to sell their products in one place, online.
Products can also be delivered on bicycle, by Green Wheel Delivery.
Hull City Council is making the platform free to use for all local businesses for three years.
Councillor Daren Hale, portfolio holder for regeneration and economic investment, said: “It’s vitally important that the council does all it can during these difficult times to support businesses. This digital platform gives independent businesses another avenue to connect with customers and expand their audience and customer-base.
“The online platform will also provide customers with a ‘one-stop shop’ where they can browse their favourite local brands.”
Shoppers will also be able to reserve items in-store using a ‘click and collect’ option.
In addition to offering products, residents will be able to order ‘buy now, use later’ e-vouchers, online events and appointments from local businesses.
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Jackie Mulligan, chief executive and founder of ShopAppy.com, said: “We are delighted to be working in Hull and to be partnering with Hull City Council on the launch of the ShopAppy.com platform.
“We are certain that this will provide a real and tangible benefit to Hull businesses and the community and at a time when they need it most and when many are discovering the value and importance of local shops and services.”
The Green Wheel Delivery service is currently available in HU1, HU2 and HU3, delivering all products other than food and drink.
For Karl Holmes, who took over Albion Street sports shop Simply Running in April, it is a welcome boost.
"It puts the name of the business out there at what is a difficult time, and it is another route to customers, advertising the business along with others," he said.
The said it had been a mixed start to his ownership, having taken it on from Kevin and Melanie Haywood at the height of lockdown. "There was strong initial interest, but it has been steady since. People I speak to with businesses nearby say the same thing, customer numbers are down and we're ticking along. We're all in the same boat."