Independent retailers are relying on Christmas sales to survive as pandemic pressures threaten to put them out of business.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Lambert's Flower Company owners Nicola and Paul are remaining positive for the future.Lambert's Flower Company owners Nicola and Paul are remaining positive for the future. (Image: Archant)

The WHT is launching our #ShopLocal campaign encouraging residents to take advantage of their local shops or risk losing them.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll be speaking to local businesses across our areas and sharing their stories of entrepreneurship and determination as they face the challenges posed by COVID-19 restrictions and the rise of online shopping.

Starting this week, we spoke to Lambert’s Flower Company about how they are remaining positive, interviewed Natural Health shop owner Julie Goodwin about her concerns for the future, and looked at the upcoming Christmas events at Smallford Farm Shop.

We’ve also looked into what one Hatfield gym is doing to keep their business afloat.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Julie Goodwin has been running Natural Health in Welwyn Garden City for 16 years.Julie Goodwin has been running Natural Health in Welwyn Garden City for 16 years. (Image: Archant)

Any local businesses which would like to be featured are invited to get in touch at news@whtimes.co.uk.

We also want to hear from readers about their favourite independent shops to visit locally, so please get in touch at the same address.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Smallford Farm Shop has lots of Christmas treats for budding shoppers. Picture: Smallford Farm ShopSmallford Farm Shop has lots of Christmas treats for budding shoppers. Picture: Smallford Farm Shop (Image: Archant)

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Energie Fitness Hatfield has supported the community through lockdown. Picture: SuppliedEnergie Fitness Hatfield has supported the community through lockdown. Picture: Supplied (Image: Archant)