AN online shopping platform for local businesses in Winchester is set to launch next month.

ShopAppy will allow customers to browse virtual shop windows, order products from local stores using home delivery and use a click and collect service from the store or a collection point.

The service, which is supported by Winchester City Council and funded by the Government’s Reopening High Street Safely programme, is set for an official launch at the start of October.

Winchester residents were given an early taster of the service on September 11. ShopAppy was at Winchester Market where the public found out more about the virtual high streets in Winchester city centre, Alresford, Bishop’s Waltham and Wickham.

Over 100 businesses from a variety of different sectors across the district have already signed up, including Toscanaccio in Winchester city centre, Julia’s Kitchen in Bishop’s Waltham, The Naked Grape in Alresford and Bay Tree Gifts in Wickham.

Cllr Martin Tod, cabinet member for economic recovery, said: “The ShopAppy platform comes at a crucial time and is part of the city council’s plan to help local businesses recover and thrive after the lockdown.

“The high streets in our city and market towns haven’t just faced the challenge of Covid-19, but also the challenge of national online shopping taking business away from local shops.

“I’m particularly excited that, as part of the programme, many local businesses will be able to offer zero carbon delivery as well.”

To celebrate the launch, there is a competition to win one of four £25 vouchers to shop on the virtual high streets.

To enter, sign up to the ShopAppy website: https://shopappy.com/customer/account/login/ and you will be automatically entered into the prize draw. The winners will be chosen at random after September 30.