It’s that time again when we make our New Year’s Resolutions, set fresh goals, and aim to make positive changes. So why not add ‘Shop Local’ to that list? asks Nicole Tesseyman.
Man’s Head, in Tregenna Place, St Ives
You could make a huge difference to businesses in St Ives Bay. We’ve all witnessed local shops and pubs closing, and the old saying “If you don’t use it, you’ll lose it” has never seemed more relevant.
As Advertising Manager at St Ives Local, I spend time getting to know the owners of so many amazing businesses around St Ives and Hayle. People who choose to run their own businesses are people who have the courage to take a chance. Often, we don’t see the hours of hard work they put in behind the scenes, constantly coming up with new ideas.
These passionate and hard-working people just need us to purchase their products and services, instead of always buying from chain stores and supermarkets, or shopping online.
Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, so all you men out there, why not buy a voucher from Cornish Beauty Rooms for your partner? And ladies… let’s be honest, we tend to have the more challenging job of finding a present for the men in our lives! But help is at hand in the wonderful shop Man’s Head, which is full of great gadgets and humorous gifts specifically for men.
There are many other amazing gift shops in St Ives Bay. The Old Foundry Chapel in Hayle (pictured above) is full of beautiful treats for all, and Kirsty Bridgewater’s jewellery is another great choice for a present. You can order flowers from Flowertime Florist or Sweet Williams, or book a table in a family-run restaurant like Bier Huis Grand Café or Quay Kitchen, which both offer magical experiences as well as great food. Shopping and dining locally makes a huge difference, and can help to keep our high streets alive.
Growing up in St Ives, I remember walking through town holding my Mum’s hand, and she would stop and chat to what seemed like everybody! Sometimes we would grab a pasty from Ferrell’s. Our school shoes came from the local shoe shop, where our growing feet would be measured each August, ready for the new school year.
As a treat, Mum would take me to Whites to buy ribbons for my hair. I remember the old wooden drawer where the ribbons were kept being pulled open, and selecting which colour I liked, and then the lady who served us would take a pair of scissors to cut ribbons to a measurement from a wooden ruler, and pop them in a paper bag. And I remember going to Praeds with my mother to choose a special dress for a birthday party, and the lovely lady there who had known me since I was a baby would open her egg-shaped jar and offer me a sweetie!
So make the change in 2026, and at the top of your New Year’s Resolution list, put: “Make time to wander through town, stop and chat, and buy local”. I promise you’ll find all sorts of interesting things to buy in the shops, and lots of friendly people to talk to. Let’s all look after this beautiful place we call home, and help it to thrive.
