A SERVICE which allows shoppers to support local businesses and purchase items at any time day or night has just opened a second collection point in town.

ShopAppy allows local people to buy items from the market and town centre shops by browsing online through items, booking appointments and buying products to then pick up at a collection point at a later time that suits them.

This can be either at stall 56 in the market between 12.30pm and 2pm or in the Digital Media Centre between 4pm and 5pm.

Founder of ShopAppy, Dr Jackie Mulligan, said: “The Federation of Small Business research has shown that 63p in every pound stays in the local economy when people support small businesses but people are often very time-pressed and can’t get to the shops on time, or don’t have the time to wander around like they used to.

“So the app and website helps people divert online browsing and spending to local spending and footfall which helps Barnsley to prosper.

“Barnsley is already bucking the trend in the UK retail decline with a ten per cent increase in footfall in the Barnsley Market over Christmas and its new retail outlets and scheme have really combined traditional and modern concepts - the virtual Barnsley on ShopAppy is a further extension of that.

“Several new businesses have joined the initiative since the new market has opened like Weigh To Save, Bathtime Heaven and many more, the app and website now includes shops like Kingston Jewellers and enables people to book services such as a table at a restaurant, a beauty appointment, a workshop, class or event.

“This is an important development which will mean more businesses are able to benefit from the platform to really showcase the fabulous businesses in the heart of the town centre.”