The Pantry Underwear (Angel Islington, London)
The British Independent Retailers Association (bira) is celebrating this year’s Independents’ Day on 4th July, the best way they know how – with cake! The national event, which encourages shoppers to visit their local retailers, will be celebrated up and down the country with special events, offers and discounts. Bira itself, will be offering retailers 20% off membership if they join the association on the day.
Independents’ Day UK is a not-for-profit campaign that exists to support and promote independent retail businesses across the UK all year round, but with an annual focus on July 4th: ‘Independents’ Day’ itself. Independents account for 65% of retail outlets in the UK and are at the heart of local communities throughout the country.
Alan Hawkins, CEO of bira, which represents 6000 members in the UK, said: “We should be celebrating the contribution independent retailers make to our local communities and economy all year round. However, Independents’ Day is a great opportunity to shine a spotlight on the wonderful and passionate retailers we have. It is a great initiative to get involved with and to get your fellow local retailers engaged with too”.
If you are a retailer and would like to find out more about bira of the year visit bira.co.uk or if you’d like to make use of the 20% discount contact the membership team on 0800 028 0245 or email membership@bira.co.uk.
Independent stores have been hailed as the “saviours” of the British high street amidst the recent closures of big-name chains. Research from marketplace OnBuy.com has revealed that there was “extraordinary growth” in the number of independent stores being launched last year throughout the UK. The North West saw 230 independent stores open their doors, with 194 in the West Midlands and 114 in Scotland.
“As retail chains close at a rapid pace, we look to independent stores as saviours,” said Cas Paton, managing director of Onbuy.com. “Often, independent goods have an unrivalled quality and the service is intimate, offering a retail experience that is memorable and tailored to the customer. It is sad to see well-loved, British companies closing but we must move with the times.”
