Shop local, shop Archway

If you've been down on the Northern Line or around town on a bus lately, you may have already spotted new campaign celebrating Archway's local shops. Posters and a local directory with special offers encouraging shoppers to keep it local this Christmas and New Year are part of the "This Is Archway" scheme.

Funded by the Mayor of London's Outer London Fund and run by Archway Town Centre Management Group with Islington Council, "This Is Archway" aims to increase the visibility and vibrancy of the area's shops.

Sox Kaya runs Il Mio Mosaic, one of the featured businesses.  He says, "The area is just getting better and better in terms of what we offer customers  with our range of independent shops and great restaurants."

Sami and Sarah of La Belle Vie Flowers in Junction Road, also featured on the poster, add "We are really excited to be part of 'This is Archway' campaign and think it's really good to focus on what Archway has to offer in terms of independent shops."

Cllr Catherine West, leader of Islington Council, says, "Archway is a fantastic area with great shops and and this is a reminder of just how good it is. We're committed to helping local traders keep in these very difficult economic times."

Mayor of London Boris Johnson adds,  "Our local town centres and high streets have a huge part to play in London's future economic growth and I am delighted to see the 'This is Archway' campaign underway in time for Christmas thanks to my Outer London Fund - galvanising local spirit and keeping our high streets buzzing".

The Archway campaign coincides with a set of recommendations by retail guru Mary Portas, published today, that recommends action by local authorities to boost high street business. Changing shopping habits and competition from out-of-town malls have left one in seven high street retail units empty UK-wide.

For more on Archway, including money-saving vouchers for local shops, see www.archwaytowncentre.co.uk.