Businesses in Winton have reported an increase in sales after Veganuary.
Over 250,000 people took the month long pledge to go vegan for January. With a 600% increase in veganism over the last three years, businesses on Winton high street have seen the benefit.
The Discount Health store started trading 30 years ago in Poole and has recently opened a new store on Wimborne Road in Winton.
Shop assistant and vegan, Lydia DeMario said: “We’ve definitely noticed our sales have increased this month.
“A lot of people are coming in looking for the vegan alternatives we offer, as well as picking up supplements that work alongside a healthy vegan diet.”
Further down the high street at Roebridge Farm Shop, owner Peter Tope said: “We have been exceptionally busy this month, we’ve noticed an upturn in the last 12 months as well.”
Shops along Winton high street have benefitted from offering a range of vegan-friendly products, with Holland and Barrett also offering meat-alternatives.
However, some local residents believe that although the shops are keeping up with public demand, restaurants along the road need to do more to offer alternatives for vegans.
Winton resident and vegan, Georgia Abbott said: “A vast majority of the cafes do offer some sort of vegan or meat-free options but it’s not very extensive and it’s even more limited in restaurants along Winton high street.”
Since 2016 Bournemouth has been listed as a hotspot for vegans in the UK, rivalling cities such as Brighton, with over 30 vegan-friendly restaurants and five vegan only eateries.
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