Hits Radio launches virtual Christmas Market to support Manchester businesses

To further its efforts in supporting Greater Manchester businesses, Hits Radio & Greatest Hits Radio has launched a virtual Christmas market.

The radio station has created a new online platform, called My Local Market, in which any small business with either physical premises or an online selling platform can create their own market stall for free.

In a time where local businesses need our help more than ever, it’s a great initiative to give local businesses an opportunity to easily connect to shoppers.

Providing traders with a chance to reach a bigger base of customers, the market will be promoted on-air and online by Hits Radio & Greatest Hits Radio in Manchester so that people in the community can directly support the local sellers in their area. 

All traders need to do is provide some information about their business, upload a hero image to support their marketplace profile, and create their virtual market stall’s shop window. 

The markets will be opening for business on the 7th December, but businesses are being encouraged to sign up now. 

Once the markets officially open, any new additions past 7th December will be live and ready to sell their products within 24 hours.

Speaking about the initiative, Graham Bryce, who is the group managing director for Hits Radio Brand Network said: “The build up to this Christmas season is unlike any other we have experienced in modern times, and we want to do everything we can to support local businesses hit hard by the pandemic.”

For those looking to shop, simply use the map function to select Greater Manchester and browse within your local market, where you’ll find an array of beautiful and unique products from across the region.

“My Local Market is a way to capture the spirit of the annual Christmas Marketplace virtually, and provide local businesses access to our audiences through the Christmas season and beyond,” said Graham.

“As a partner to local businesses, we’re proud to provide local traders a helping hand at the end of a very challenging year and spread some virtual Christmas joy.”

The markets will be opening for business on 7th December. Businesses can sign up and start creating their stalls by visiting itsmylocalmarket.co.uk. You can listen to Hits Radio on 103fm, on your smart speaker, via the Hits Radio app or at hitsradio.co.uk.