Member Article

‘Independents Day’ keeps it Local

Small retailers in the region will receive a boost on the 4th July, when a new campaign is launched to encourage the public to ‘shop local’.

Skillsmart Retail and the National Skills Academy for Retail have come together to create ‘Independents’ Day’ in a bid to keep the high street alive, and are calling for the public to buy at least one item from independent shops on this date.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) in the North East is supporting their efforts, which will build on their own Keep Trade Local Campaign.

They are also urging the government to take action following the results of the Portas Review, which will examine the future of the country’s ailing high streets.

Pauline Osbourne, FSB Regional Chairman said: “As the high street continues to face some serious challenges from out of town shopping centres and supermarkets more must be done to help the local high street survive.

“This will help raise the profile of the fantastic diversity the high streets in the North East can offer and the crucial role they play in the local community.”

Ross Smith, head of policy at NECC, also commented: “We want to see a variety of shops on the North East high street and that means a balance between the big name national stores and the unique offering of the smaller, independent retailers.

“ It’s critical that we have a mix because that’s what makes our town centres and high streets distinctive.“

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .