Support your independent retailers

Plymouth shoppers are urged to join the nation in supporting their local independent retailers as part of a national Independents’ Day.

July 4 marks America’s Independence Day but this year a local charity, People 1st, has taken the opportunity to create a campaign to help support local businesses.

Thousands of independent retail and hospitality businesses across the UK will be holding special events and promotions as part of the day, including themed windows, high street festivities, discounts and offers to encourage people to buy from independent shops and boost their profitability.

Shoppers in Plymouth are asked to take this day as an opportunity to shop differently by visiting smaller, independent and family owned businesses instead of larger chains and supermarkets.

With around 270 businesses located in the independent quarter of the city, and an additional 100 in the Plymouth City Market, Plymouth has one of the largest independent quarters in the country.

Plymouth City Centre Company Manager, Stefan Krause, said: “It is great to see a national campaign like this being supported by cities all over the UK. Following the economic downturn in recent years we are now starting to see more and more independent shops and businesses returning to our high street – we need to support them. By helping these businesses grow we will create a buzzing independent quarter, which will attract more shoppers and other entrepreneurial businesses to the area.

“These campaigns also encourage people to shop differently for one day. We supported Small Business Saturday earlier in the year and have held a number of events in the West End to increase the footfall.

“Independents’ Day will mark the launch of our City and Waterfront Awards which will put our local business on the stage and recognise their quality and excellent customer service.”