July 2014 is otherwise known as Independent Retailer Month to those in the industry as consumers are urged to support small, independent businesses by spending their cash at local ‘indies’.

The annual campaign will run throughout the whole of July and aims to raise awareness of independent retailers and increase footfall into destinations where they have opened up shop.

An array of activities and events are planned in an attempt to connect consumers and communities with local businesses and engage their understanding of the benefits of shopping local.

Why shop local?

Many consumers are unaware of the value they can add to their local economies by shopping with independent retailers. Research carried out by the Centre for Local Economic Strategies (CLES) for the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) found that for every £1.00 spent locally, 50-70p recirculates back into the local economy. In contrast, only 5p of every £1.00 spent out of town finds its way back to the local community.

Founder of Independent Retailer Month Clare Rayner, said:

“Most people don’t realise how valuable their custom is to their local, independent businesses.

“We need these customers to understand how their hard-earned cash can boost their local economy, depending on where they choose to spend it.”

She continues:

“Every pound spent with independent retailers in your local town or village is worth ten times more to your community than if you spent it elsewhere. That’s what Independent Retailer Month is all about: we want consumers to re-engage with their local businesses and discover the benefits of shopping closer to home.

“As well as high quality products and fantastic one-to-one customer service that you’re unlikely to find in bigger retailers, your purchases in independent retailers will mean so much more to your local community – that money will recirculate back to your local economy and help your town prosper!”

From high street boutiques, pop-up shops, market stalls or online traders, consumers are being encouraged to make more of an effort to support the independent brands in their local areas.

Join the conversation online and show support for independent retailers across social networking sites with the hashtag #indieretail. Followers can like the Independent Retailer Month UK Facebook page, follow @IndieRetailUK or subscribe for updates on the website, www.independentretailermonth.co.uk.

Source: A1 Retail