Anna Firth MP has continued her rallying cry for local residents to back Southend businesses following a plea for support from shop owners in the Echo last month.
In the age of online giants like Amazon, independent retailers made a united call for shoppers to hit local high streets instead of the ‘Add to Basket’ button.
Launching her own ‘Best Dressed Shopfront’ competition, the Southend West MP wanted to congratulate local business owners who provide so much for the local community and economy throughout the year.
The judging proved difficult as Anna toured across her constituency, at some points calling upon key local figures such as the Mayor of Southend and local Belfairs’ Councillors to help her make the tough choice.
Anna was looking for shops which stood out with Christmas spirit whilst acting as the backbone of the local community.
After difficult deliberations, the top billing of first was place was awarded to both Tuscany and Re:Loved.
Tuscany is a specialist boutique health and beauty salon that has been running for over 20 years, which Anna alongside Councillors Warren and Dear praised for their many years of serving the local community and putting on an amazing window display.
Re:Loved is a recently refurbished shop that has served Southend whilst supporting Haven’s Hospice for over 25 years. The shop won the award for its tireless commitment to the hospice, its focus on environmental sustainability, and its beautiful ‘Christmas-tree-style’ dress in the window.
Runners up included the Dressmaker, Create 98, Belfairs Pharmacy, and Mulberry & Fitch.
Anna praised the local businesses she visited for their resilience over the pandemic and cost-of-living crisis, reassuring them she regularly relays their feedback to the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Jeremy Hunt MP praised Anna earlier in the year for her steadfast and support of the local economy.
