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Local residents are being encouraged to support West Lothian businesses where they can this festive period.
The festive period is an important time to many small and independent retailers, some of whom rely on the additional business generated at this time of year to remain sustainable.
According to the Centre for Local Economic Strategies (CLES), 70p from every £1 spent with an independent retailer stays in the local economy. Independent retailers are also more likely to live locally, so more of the money they receive will be invested back into the local community.
The national Small Business Saturday event takes place on Saturday 6 December 2025, with shoppers encouraged to support local business, such as those that can be found in West Lothian’s traditional town centres of Armadale, Bathgate, Broxburn and Uphall, Linlithgow and Whitburn.
The day itself takes place on the first Saturday in December each year, but the campaign aims to have a long-lasting impact on small businesses. Now in its thirteenth year in the UK, the campaign has grown significantly year on year encouraging millions to shop small. Further campaign detail and how you can participate can be found at http://www.smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com
Executive councillor for economy, community empowerment and wealth building, Susan Manion, said: “There are a wide-range of unique, independent businesses across West Lothian, providing everything from bespoke gifts, high-quality services and locally-produced items.
“Please check what is available in our traditional town centres before you go online or head elsewhere, as they might just have the perfect gift on your doorstep.
“The annual Small Business Saturday event on 6 December is the perfect opportunity for local residents to show their support for their local towns centres.
“Local business plays a key role in our local communities, so please show them your support to make sure our towns and village centres remain vibrant and welcoming places to visit, shop, work, live and be entertained.”
West Lothian residents can also get out and support some of the many festive events are taking place around West Lothian over the next few weeks. For a list of all the confirmed events that the council is currently aware of, please visit https://news.westlothian.gov.uk/article/87141/Festive-cheer-at-West-Lothian-events
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