Member Article

Digital marketplace set to boost North East independent retailers

A new online marketplace encouraging the purchase of North East-crafted produce and local business support will launch next month.

ThatsChampionPet.co.uk, described as an Amazon-style marketplace featuring the best of North East retail, will spring into life on Tuesday February 14th.

Visitors will be able to browse hundreds of products and buy produce ranging from clothing to food & drink and local art.

Recognised local brands that can be found on the site include Canny natural flavoured milk, Tynemouth Coffee, Low Quay Clothing and baby gift company, Geordie Genes. In 2017, over 50 local brands will be supported by the website.

Newcastle-based digital marketing and ecommerce agency Venture Stream is the firm behind the site’s launch.

Vic Morgan, MD, revealed: “We work with both local and national retailers and understand what a difficult market retail is to operate in.

“Local retailers in particular face their own unique challenges, but by giving local independent business a collective profile and voice they previously lacked we hope we can make a difference.”

Ross Pichler, a local entrepreneur and artist featuring on the site, said: “I’m fortunate to live in a place that I love, and because my work is based on the amazing buildings and landmarks on my doorstep, I have been able to carefully consider and lovingly create art which other local residents enjoy as well.

“That’s Champion Pet gives me another platform to showcase my work to those that love the North East as much as I do.

“In each piece I look to create something that’s different, unique to the North East. That’s Champion Pet puts my work alongside other likeminded entrepreneurs who have been inspired by what’s around them to create something special.”

Another regional business featuring on the site is My World.

Director Andrea Murphy added: “There is a lot of pride in the North East and we have a great community of local retailers offering high-quality, locally-sourced products that you just can’t get anywhere else.

“We’re fortunate that people love buying from and supporting local businesses like ours and That’s Champion Pet brings us all together so that people can find us in one place.”

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →