Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
The British Chambers of Commerce and i2i Events Group – the organiser of Spring Fair International and Autumn Fair International – have become official supporting partners of Independent Retailer Month, which launches on Sunday July 1 2012.
Any independent retailer can take advantage of this global ‘shop local’ campaign. Businesses are being encouraged to ruin events, promotions and activities throughout July to celebrate, with their customers, what they offer to their local community.
i2i Events Head of Marketing for the Autumn and Spring Fairs Lorna Charlish said: “We’re very proud to be official partners in this wonderful initiative. The vast majority of buyers who attend our shows are independent retailers, who turn up in their tens of thousands and do so much to keep this industry varied and interesting. Independents are renowned for their distinct product offering, personal approach and excellent customer service. We do all we can to support them.”
To kick-start Independent Retailer Month, there will be a day-long conference on Sunday at Cranmore Park near Solihull, dedicated to providing independent retailers with advice, insights, expertise and peer group networking.
The event will feature presentations from three very successful independent retailers, workshops, a panel discussion, and 1-2-1 ‘ask the expert’ sessions..
The retailer speakers are Deryane Tadd, founder of The Dressing Room in St Albans (winner of fashion weekly magazine Drapers’ Womenswear Retailer of Year 2011); Paul Turner-Mitchell, co-owner of fashion boutique 25 Ten; and Sarah Decent, owner of Modish Shoes of Cambridge and Saffron Waldon.
Panellists include Michael Weedon, deputy CEO and communications of director bira, along with representatives from Federation of Small Business, Association of Town Centre Management, Action for Market Towns and Skillsmart Retail. All are also official supporters of Independent Retailer Month.
To find out more about Independent Retailer Month visit www.independentretailermonth.co.uk.
