Pledge Your Support for Independent Retail in 2013

The CLES (Centre for Local Economic Strategies) did some research for FSB (Federation of Small Businesses) about the value of a £1 spent locally - the results were compelling, sufficient to convince most people that when they shop locally they are genuinely having a positive impact on their community! They discovered that for every £1 spent locally around 50p - 70p of that money recirculates back into the local economy. For the same £1 spent out of town or online only 5p trickles back to the local community. When people appreciate the impact that their choice of where to spend can have we believe that more people will make more effort to spend more with local independent businesses. That's why we want you to Pledge your Support for Independent Retail in 2013

Celebrate Independent Retail

Independent Retailer Month is a global 'Shop Local' campaign that runs annually throughout July to highlight the important role smaller, local, independent retailers play in the communities they serve, the local economy they contribute to, and in the retail sector as a whole.

Independent Retailer Month - Purpose

The purpose of Independent Retailer Month is to:

• Impact! To benefit the independent retail sector with relevant support, advice and expertise.
• Connect! To link consumers and communities with local retailers, reminding them of the benefits of shopping local.
• Engage! To spread the word via business organisations, associations and networks to demonstrate the importance of independent retail to the local economies they trade within and the communities they serve.

Helping Consumers Find Independent Shops

To help consumers find Independent Shops near them we have created a searchable directory of UK independent retailers. The directory makes it easy for shoppers to find their local independent shops, especially important in the run up to Christmas!

It is FREE to list your business, allows consumers to search by town and postcode, provides regular social media promotion for retailers with a Twitter account and the directory is also open to online only retailers. In fact any business that primarily serves the consumer can get a listing, that includes shops, cafes, restaurants and salons.

With 1000's of visitors each month to the directory looking for independent shops to source their purchases from, listing your business could help provide a steady supply of new ideal customers.

Check out our independent shop directory