ShopOtley created to support local high street.

Award winning Bondgate Bakery have joined forces with other local independent retailers in their town to create the new pandemic busting initiative ShopOtley.

Founded by Tony Garwood, owner of Greengrocers O’Fresh, ShopOtley is a one-stop shopping site showcasing the areas fantastic local retailers and offering a free, next day delivery service to customers in the area.

Bringing together produce from Otley’s independent food shops straight to people’s doorsteps, shoppers can choose from bread, cakes and savouries from Bondgate Bakery, provisions from Like Nana Did, meat and pies from Middlemiss butchers, delicatessen from O’Deli, fruit and veg from O’Fresh greengrocers, pet supplies from Petwise, and gin from White House Distillery.

Whilst the creation of ShopOtley was in response to the covid restrictions, the initiative has a longer term vision and aims to give customers the best of both worlds by offering them the convenience and safety they want, whilst buying locally and supporting their local high street.

Early statistics from the scheme are also promising with over 200% growth between months one and two and a turnover of over £10,000 in its first 10 weeks. 

Founder Tony said: “Our shopping habits are going back to using the local butcher, baker, greengrocer and the loose dry goods merchant and customers seem to like the romance of shopping locally again. 

“Even if we don’t browse the high street like we used to, with ShopOtley customers can scroll through products on a screen as they have their coffee and support local shops at the same time.”

Sally Hinchliffe, owner of Bondgate Bakery said: “Lockdown has pulled the community together in many ways and shops have had to adapt.   We’ve seen a real change in the way people shop independently and what’s wonderful is that Otley shoppers still want to support all our independent stores which is why it was so important for us to provide an online ordering, click & collect and delivery service to enable them to continue to support us both safely and conveniently.”

“Last year we had to hit the ground running and introduce an online ordering system almost overnight which we’ve added to throughout the year. This has meant that we’ve been able to supply as many people as possible with our wide selection of breads and cakes. 

“We’ve done local deliveries too, which our customers tell us have been a lifeline and have cheered up a few lockdown celebrations!  This time round we feel like we’re pros at safe working and safe customer service through social distancing, click & collect as well as home deliveries and we’re really looking forward to getting back to supplying all our wonderful restaurants and shops, who have had to close during these difficult times, when restrictions allow.”

For more information about ShopOtley and to place an order online visit www.odelibar.co.uk/order-shop-otley