Claire’s Column: Reward Our Retailers

Published on: 14 Jul, 2015
Updated on: 14 Jul, 2015

In this regular column – a must-read for all those interested in Guildford business – Claire Dee highlights Guildford’s contribution to Independent Retailer Month.

Claire Dee

July is Independent Retailer Month.

An idea dreamed up five years ago to support and celebrate independent shops and the huge contribution they make to the economy, and to encourage local people to recognise and reward them by shopping locally.

According to indieretailermonth.com: “Throughout a range of in-store, online and community events and promotions, Independent Retailer Month encourages consumers to shop at independent retailers, highlighting their positive social and economic impact – locally, nationally and globally.”

And Guilford, which is home to many independent outlets, is helping lead the charge via Experience Guildford, the town’s Business Improvement District representing retail and leisure businesses. Until the end of the month, visitors who purchase a product or service from three independent stores or businesses in Guildford will be entered into a prize draw to win a £100 voucher.

Maps of participating businesses are available at Guildford’s Tourist Information Centre in the High Street. To be in with a chance of bagging one of the £100 vouchers simply get a map stamped from any combination of participating businesses, fill in your details and return to Experience Guildford by August 8 to be entered into the prize draw.

And if your independent retail experience is a good one, why not share on Twitter with @ExperienceGford using the hashtag #IndieDay so others can discover them too.

Given the UK’s independent retail sector provides a healthy injection into the local economy, with around 50p to 70p of every £1 spent in a local, independent business filtering back to the community, why wouldn’t you?

For more information on Guildford’s independent retailer campaign and the participating businesses visit www.experienceguildford.com

Claire Dee runs her own communications consultancy near Guildford, and is an active member of the local business community including sitting on the Surrey Chambers of Commerce Council and the Institute of Directors Surrey Committee. To learn more visit www.clairedeecommunications.com