Independents’ Day

Independents’ Day comes at the start of Independent Retailer Month and is seen as a chance for the public to show their support for the 169,000-plus independent retail businesses in the UK.

Retailers are being asked to promote the campaign through their shop windows by using a ‘Your local shop needs you!’ poster. Many towns and cities are holding events and promotions on the day to encourage extra shoppers to the area.

Clare Rayner, the retail champion and leader of July’s Independent Retailer Month UK, said: “It’s great that Independents’ Day falls right at the beginning of Independent Retailer Month – we see this as a fantastic opportunity for retailers to kick-start a whole month of promotions, activities and events. Through Independents’ Day they can initially engage their local customers and then with sustained activities they can keep them coming back throughout July.

“By participating in both the day and then throughout the month, independent retailers can remind consumers that shopping local, in their community, can be both a rewarding and enjoyable experience and supportive of the business owners and employers in their area.”

To raise awareness of the campaign one council is encouraging residents and visitors to its market towns to show off their independent retail purchases by taking a picture and sending it to them over the micro-blogging site Twitter, with a prize going to the tweeter of the best photograph.

Jane Rexworthy, head of the National Skills Academy for Retail, commented: “Independents’ Day is another opportunity to celebrate the best of British. The campaign is a great way to showcase the diverse range of independent retailers and traders in the UK and celebrate the talented and hardworking individuals who run these shops.”

To keep up to date with Independents’ Day activities, you can follow the campaign on Twitter @Retail_IndieDay, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/independentsday or at www.retailindieday.com