Buy Local is the message from Independent Retailer Month which starts on 1st July and runs throughout the country.

The campaign is all about encouraging local people to use their local, independent retailers who are the lifeblood of our communities and neighbourhoods. 

Clare Rayner, the UK’s official partner for Independent Retailer Month explains what it’s all about:

“This campaign exists for retailers. Please take advantage of the campaign to get creative and create some excitement in your shop, in your area, throughout July. 

Use this opportunity to create promotions, activities and in-store events that showcase the best retail experience a customer could ever have! Increase your footfall, convert new customers, deliver a great shopping experience and it’s likely they’ll keep coming back – not just in July but ongoing!

Spread the word about the campaign and get involved as much as you can. With many individuals working together to support a common objective we can really make a difference to the UK’s Independent Retailers!”

The Independent Retailer Month website is filled with advice, information, resources and suggestions for retailers, shoppers and suppliers. You can see it here. 

There are also lots of ways on the site for retailers to use social media to spread the word about what they’re doing by posting on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. 

Here’s a few of the suggestions …

How Independent Retailers can get involved

• Download the Independent Retailer Month logo and place in your store window
• Check out the Ideas and Resources page for ideas about activities / promotions / events
• Send a newsletter to your shoppers announcing your participation in Independent Retailer Month and share any activities / promotions / events you will be hosting
• Advertise your shop for free

How local shoppers and consumers can get involved

• Shop locally (as much as practical) to support your local independent retailers
• Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to find out what’s happening in your area
• Tell your friends to support the campaign too!

Please feel free to share this , spread the word and support our locals.