Six independent traders are now live on ShopAppy, a service that essentially brings a mini-Amazon for independents to Penarth.

Foxy's Deli and Cafe, Glass By Design, Apothecary 64, Penarth Gin, Willmore's 1938 and Allen Sadler Hair Studio are the first of the 22 business who have enrolled to feature on the site.

Wales' first "virtual marketplace", ShopAppy Penarth enables locals to browse the site for their favourite high street products before choosing whether to collect them from a collection point or have them delivered to their door.

Nub News understands that the Vale of Glamorgan Council has offered to fund the scheme for the first year, meaning it is free for businesses to enrol in. How much the Council has invested is currently unclear.

Since March, social distancing restrictions and intermittent lockdowns have devastated Penarth's once-bustling high street.

The arrival of ShopAppy aims to help the town recover from the pandemic through introducing a "blended buying" approach which incorporates online and in-store shopping.

Thirty-five towns across the UK have enrolled, and Penarth will become the first in Wales.

The site is yet launch fully, but Penarth Business Group chair Angelina Hall is excited to have got the ball rolling. One shop has even taken its first order through the service.

"The logistics are falling into place and it is very exciting to see this now coming to life," said Angelina.

Precise details of how ShopAppy will be rolled out in Penarth are still emerging, but some pick-up spots have been chosen already.

"We have linked up with Foxy's Deli to be the central pick up point for those that might have ordered a number of items from different shops and want the ease of one pick up - Station Approach also has parking which will make this much easier," continues Angelina.

"Foxy's will also be able to deliver orders (this will have a cost of £4.95) to Penarth/Dinas Powys/Sully/Llandough.

'Some traders though will still organise their own deliveries and I expect these will be free to those addresses in Penarth."

Among the traders who have enrolled is Willmore's 1938. Its owners say they are thrilled to be a part of the revolutionary system.

"We're super excited to be joining the ShopAppy family," said co-owner Matt Holland.

"It's an amazing way to support your community, secure local jobs and the economy.

"We are currently building our online shop but thought we'd share our Valentine platter early so you can see how it all works."

To check out the fledgling site, follow the THIS LINK.