One week to go until Independent Retailer Month

With just one week to go until the start of Independent Retailer Month, the campaign organiser Clare Rayner is urging shoppers to support their local retailers next month.

The July event aims to raise public awareness of thousands of local businesses and increase footfall into town and village centres.

The four-week celebration encourages retailers to unite to create promotions, activities and events to capture the imagination of the local community, and remind people exactly what their local centres have to offer them.

Clare Rayner is calling on shoppers to take 20% of their monthly budget and spend it with local retailers rather than in chains, out-of-town centres or online.

She said: “Residents are the first to complain about empty shops in their local centre. So if they really do care about having thriving local businesses then they need to ensure that they put their money where their mouth is, and actually spend with them!”

She continued: “This campaign is now in its third year and it couldn’t be more important The key to both survival and success is to encourage local people to shop locally, relishing in the mix of both well-known high street names and independent, local businesses.

“Shoppers appreciate a unique offering. Each town needs to appreciate and support the independent retailers that make it a unique location. Independent businesses make a massive contribution to the local community, economy and should not be overlooked.”

Retailers interested in taking part have access to a range of free resources, including window posters and even thank you cards to show their gratitude to existing and new customers.

Stay up to date with all the activities by following @IndieRetailUKon Twitter, by visiting the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/IndependentRetailerMonthUK or by subscribing to www.independentretailermonth.co.uk.