Tea room aims to boost independent businesses with self-funded reward scheme 

A Stafford tea room is giving a helping hand to local independent businesses by funding an innovative reward scheme aiming to encourage people to ‘shop small’. 

Cup A Cha, based in North Walls, has relaunched its Shop Small & Save scheme to put the spotlight back on the town’s independent businesses and encourage shoppers to rediscover their local high street. 

The initiative, first launched in 2021 in the wake of the pandemic, rewards customers for supporting smaller shops, cafés and studios across Stafford. 

The scheme, which is entirely funded by Cup A Cha with no cost to participating businesses, rewards customers who shop at any of the chosen independents. They can then visit the tea room within seven days with their receipt to claim their rewards, ranging from a free drink for spending £5 up to a full afternoon tea for £100. 

Thirteen businesses in the town are currently participating in the scheme: That Little Bookshop; Studio Space Stafford; Suit You Sir; Salter Street Toys; The Rolling Cow; Peccadillos; Little Bean; Kenny’s Sports Bar; Blossoms Pots & Petals; Illustrations by Eve; b’s Clothing and Gifts; Hadleigh; and Studio Fresh. 

Amy Walsh, pictured above, owner of Cup A Cha, said: “Our high street, along with many across the UK, has been faced with empty units, endless roadworks and minimal parking, which has gradually forced people to head to online shopping or visit other locations. People want a thriving high street but without visitors, this won’t change overnight. 

“This is my way of supporting these local businesses and encouraging people to explore the side streets beyond the high street. It is an opportunity to give something back and help each other out. 

“We have such a diverse range of independent businesses but if people don’t use them we will lose them. If people would visit once a week or even once a month it would make a huge difference.” 

Daily Focus previously reported that independent traders in Stafford had urged shoppers to support the town’s businesses. And in recent months we have reported on a number of new ventures launching in the town, including That Little Bookshop, Masovia Craft Bakery, Little Bean and Eastgate Fabrics. 

Amy added: “We have some amazing talent in Stafford and we want to remind people who is here. Shopping with a small local business puts money back into the town – and even sharing a social media post makes a big difference. 

“Supporting a small business helps in so many ways. We don’t have a head office to rely on financially after a tough month. We all rely on reviews, word of mouth and your support to keep going day after day, week after week.” 

The full list of rewards at Cup A Cha in the Shop Small & Save scheme includes: spend £5 for a free drink; £10 for a free cake; £15 for a free sandwich; £20 for a free scone with jam and clotted cream; £30 for a free daily special; £50 for a free high tea; and £100 for a free afternoon tea.