Uttoxeter Online Magazine

Town centre shopping campaigners in the delightful Staffordshire market town of Uttoxeter have had a hit in cyber space.

An alliance of local shopping enthusiasts has recorded their very own YouTube video to tell the world that Uttoxeter is a buzzing place to visit and shop.

The Shop Uttoxeter campaign hasn’t yet been formally launched but is building up a head of steam as shoppers, traders and local organisations start to get on board.

The campaign, being organized with the support of Staffordshire County Council, is being planned to kick off in September.

The YouTube video got over 200 hits in the first week, even before it was publicised.

Staffordshire’s cabinet member for jobs Mike Lawrence said the town was “top of the shops” for many local people.

He said: “The video came together really easily because Uttoxeter traders and shoppers were incredibly enthusiastic about their town.  There’s a really friendly and welcoming feeling which is addictive.

“Uttoxeter has character and individuality by the basket load. Think Local – Shop Local - that’s the message,” he said.

David Hunter of the Indulgence coffee lounge said Uttoxeter was up there with the best in the UK and offers an excellent retail experience.

In a recent nationwide mystery shopper survey Uttoxeter came in as the UK’s no 2 best place to shop – less than 1% behind Stratford on Avon.

“If one of our shops had displayed opening times, we would have won.  It was that close.  We beat Cheltenham, Cirencester, Gloucester and Dorchester.  That’s how good the retail experience in Uttoxexter is.

“The hard nose researcher from London said that they felt very comfortable and safe in Uttoxeter, that they would come back and they would highly recommend Uttoxeter,” he said.

East Staffordshire Mayor and town County Councillor Geoff Morrison said Shop Uttoxeter was good for the town, good for jobs and prosperity and good for the environment.

“There’s all sorts of reasons to shop in Uttoxeter. It’s a really friendly and welcoming place. It’s beautiful and historic and it’s packed with unique independent retailers.

“Local shops mean more local jobs, local identity, more time to relax and less wasted energy. Shop Uttoxeter is good news for local people, for the economy and the environment,” he said.

The campaign group is planning a campaign of action throughout the autumn but needs businesses to get on board.

Any local shop or trader, shopper or local community group who would like to know more or join the campaign should e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

To see the YouTube film go to http://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/scctv/