“Man arrested in Bristol after arguing with supermarket staff...”

“Woman in Belfast left with a suspected broken arm after a stampede...”

“Frenzied shoppers across the country clear shelves within minutes!”

Reports of shoppers raiding trollies when backs were turned and rushing to the checkout to pay for them before being found out. Witnesses stating 'They were like locusts. It was madness,' and 'It was like a pack of savages looking for a bargain.’

Just a small selection of reports and headlines from November 2013 when time and again the police were actually forced to step in after Black Friday bargain hunting frenzy descended into chaos.

What about ‘Cyber Monday’ then? No risk of injury in online bargain hunting is there? Well no, but also no guarantee of getting what you want (widespread reports last year of goods being flagged as ‘out of stock’ within minutes of sales starting) not being ripped off (do NOT buy Australian sheepskin boots at knockdown prices, they will be fakes) and inflated delivery charges (meaning you don’t actually get a bargain at all).

It seems our friends across the pond have introduced a ‘tradition’ that brings out the worst in us, and I for one will not be sucked in by all the hype surrounding the approaching weekend.

I prefer to know that I am getting genuine value for money, quality goods and a friendly personal service. And I can do that right here in Haverhill. Shopping local - or as we like to say, 'Buy Local' - supports local businesses and our local community and it’s not as if we’re short on choices here in Haverhill.

A gift for everyone

Looking for Christmas gifts for adults and children to suit all pockets? Hanningtons Jewellers have an amazing selection of not just jewellery, but collectibles, ornaments, photo frames and much more. And you can also find a number of deals for thebestof Haverhill members on our offers page.

Please click here to view Hanningtons Jewellers current offers.

Say it with flowers

Blooming Lovely Studio can be found just off Haverhill High Street. The local florists are creators of the most stunning, bespoke floral arrangements, from a seasonal Christmas arrangement to a personalised floral work of art. The staff at Blooming Lovely Studio have the flair to create an original floral gift for a loved one, from flowers delivered fresh every day.

Please click here for further information about local florists, Blooming Lovely Studio in Haverhill.

Snap Happy

Whether it’s a portrait of the little ones for grandparents or a glamour shoot for the one you love, David Doughty @ The Gallery in Haverhill creates memories to treasure. His large photography studio in the centre of Haverhill is home to his artistic skills and is where you can also choose from a selection of unique gifts personalised with your favourite photographs.

To find out more about David Doughty's range of services and photography packages, please click here.

A worthy cause

Spread your Christmas cheer a little further this year by supporting your local Charity shop. The St Nicholas Hospice Care shop on Haverhill High Street has an ever changing range of quality books, CDs, DVDs and bric a brac etc as well as clothes, shoes, scarves and bags to rival any department store!

And a little Christmas shopping here will put your money in the pockets of those who need it most.

Click here for further details about local charity, St Nicholas Hospice Care - Haverhill.

The great outdoors

For the sports fans in your life head to Aerocycles in Haverhill. Famous for it’s wide range of clothes, cycling accessories and of course bikes, the staff are always on hand to offer advice and a chat to help pick that perfect gift.

Discover more about Aerocycles in Haverhill by clicking here. 

And for golf fans, Haverhill Golf Club are able to offer top quality golf equipment at highly competitive prices thanks to their membership of the Foremost Buying Group which allows them to match the buying power of the big boys. Clothes, accessories, leading brand names and a personal service await.

Click here for more information about Haverhill Golf Club.

This is what Christmas should be about, wandering round your local town, chatting to your local retailers and picking up quality, value for money Christmas gifts with the recipient in mind, not finding yourself in a rugby scrum of hostile consumerism.

Ignore the hype and give Haverhill your support. Buy Local this Christmas!