New web-based platform gives physical shops a helping hand

A new not-for-profit initiative to boost high street shops has emerged from the turmoil of the pandemic and aims to level the playing field for local retailers up against the on-line giants.

Known as Locanian, the idea is based on an Amazon-like platform that enables consumers to identify local sources of items that they require rather than opting for alternatives that have to be delivered over large distances or even imported. Unlike the large platforms, it will not take a percentage of sales revenue and is instead to be sponsored by corporate third parties.

Locanian Foundation’s founding partner Leon Goldwater explained the concept to Real Asset Insight’s Richard Betts.

“The aim is to create one brand on a global level which everybody recognises…it’s a shopping platform where you want to just discover the things you want locally,” Goldwater said.

“We want to give to any city that wants to support their local community, their local retailers, the opportunity to use Locanian as their own. The idea is it should have no ownership there shouldn’t be anyone that profits from owning the platform.”

Click on the video above to watch the full interview or listen to the podcast below.