deserve to be found

Streatham-based small business, Healthier Without has been given a makeover as part of nationwide transformations to encourage people to keep shopping locally and support small businesses, as their daily lives start to return to normal.

One of just 13 stunning window displays appearing across the UK as part of Facebook’s ‘Good Ideas Deserve to Be Found’ campaign, the captivating new window display has been created by world-renowned British conceptual designer, Jo Sedley, to showcase the shop’s unique business story. A well deserved national recognition of this brilliant business!

Environmentally-conscious entrepreneur, Marjorie Watts, wanted to raise awareness around sustainability within the South London community so in 2019 launched, Healthier Without, a zero waste store. Coming from Caribbean, South American, Jamaican, and Guyanese descent, Marjorie wanted to combine traditionally available household refillables with produce catered to the diverse community based in Streatham.

Using pine wood found in and around Streatham, Jo Sedley has created a wave using the material to symbolise a sea of change. The window also incorporates the blue and green of nature to further emphasise Marjorie’s love for the earth.

Marjorie said: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to take part in a campaign which will allow me to share my eco-friendly values even further with my community. Since launching Healthier Without, I’ve been in a position to reach a wide range of individuals, spanning across various ages and social backgrounds, informing the importance of caring for our environment.

 “I hope this exceptional window kindly created by Facebook will draw attention to even more passers-by. It has been amazing to see all my customers post-Covid and  I’m excited for the foreseeable future to watch our small business grow, highlighting the benefits of zero Waste living.”

These transformations come as research reveals that consumers are likely to shift away from shopping on their local high street as restrictions completely lift. Despite 81% of people sharing a passion for supporting the businesses on their doorstep, and over two thirds (68%) citing this passion grew throughout the pandemic, more than half (55%) admit larger chains may creep in as time becomes limited (29%) and they are commuting to and from work again (21%).

The windows are digitally shoppable, taking shoppers to Facebook via a unique QR code where passersby can browse, shop and support their local stores online. Facebook Shops launched a year ago to make it easier for businesses to pivot from bricks to clicks and set up a free online store during lockdown. Today, Facebook and Instagram have over 300 million monthly Shops visitors and over 1.2 million monthly active Shops globally. Last month, Facebook revealed plans to extend Shops to WhatsApp, where consumers would be able to communicate directly with small businesses before making a purchase.

Alongside these beautiful new designs, Facebook is also rolling out a 1-1 mentoring programme in Streatham. In addition, Facebook is running a national Boost programme with the goal of training over 300,000 UK businesses in digital skills by the end of the year.

Steve Hatch, Vice-President for Northern Europe, at Facebook, said:  “We believe that small businesses deserve to be found, both on the high street and online through our free tools and personalised advertising. These stunning window creations celebrate strong and resilient bricks and mortar shops who have used our technology to build their community. Our hope is that these transformations encourage people across the UK to continue supporting small businesses as things start to return to normal.”

The 10 towns being supported by Boost with Facebook training and mentoring as part of this campaign are Bangor, Bishop Auckland, Caerphilly, Doncaster, Dudley, Dunfermline, Llanelli, Norwich, Stocksbridge, and Streatham.

Healthier Without’s Facebook page can be found here and their Instagram page is here.