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An initiative designed to aid independent retailers has called on suppliers, vendors and brands to back the campaign and support indies.
It’s Independent Retailer Month throughout July and Independents’ Day tomorrow (Thursday, July 4th) in the UK. The initiative helps indies come together, provides in-store materials and advice, and receives national media coverage to help drive customers into their local independent retailers.
Retail Champion Clare Rayner, who launched Independent Retailer Month in 2011, said there is enormous potential for suppliers and brands to lead by example.
“Large brands understand the influence that a network of good, proactive independent retailers can have on customer perception of their brands, and they have the marketing clout to really throw their weight behind initiatives like Independent Retailer Month to help drive home to the consumer the unique, exclusive benefits that shopping locally can offer," she said.
“The past two years have seen us get some real powerhouses behind us, and we’re urging other brands to follow their lead and join the revolution, encouraging people to think twice about turning to out-of-town shopping centres, and to instead support their local independents.”
Rayner added: “The support this Independent Retail campaign, and Independent Retailer Month in particular, gets from big brands has a massive impact on the awareness surrounding it. While I have been urging consumers to make an effort to take 20 per cent of their shopping budget and support their local High Street, there is far more reason for them to do so if they have added incentives like these to take advantage of.
“Only through continued support and awareness can the campaign continue to gather momentum and turn the perception of the British High Street around to make it great once more.”
For more information, visit http://www.independentretailermonth.co.uk/events.
