Independents’ Day UK, the year-round campaign to promote independent retail businesses across the UK with an emphasis on driving footfall to small shops on 4 July, has launched its 2020 initiative.

In light of non-essential shops in England reopening from 15 June, this year’s initiative will go ahead as planned; providing consumers and the sector with a “unique opportunity to celebrate the value of independent retailers” at a critical time.

The campaign is also calling on shoppers to ‘Pledge a Pound’ to an independent retailer on Independents’ Day itself, Saturday 4 July. Retailers can download an Independents’ Day UK logo to display in their shop windows directly from the campaign’s website.

Call for shoppers to pledge at least one pound’s worth of shopping to an indie on 4 July

Commenting on Independents’ Day UK 2020 is Howard Robinson, a spokesperson for the campaign. “Hundreds of thousands of small retailers will reopen their doors just in time for this year’s Independents’ Day.

“We’re calling on shoppers to pledge at least one pound’s worth of shopping to an indie on 4 July. Whether it’s a morning paper or a pint of milk; if all of us go out of our way to support our local shops we can make a huge difference to a sector that has been hit hard by the Covid-19 lockdown.

“Independents bring colour, choice and character to our high streets. They provide jobs and invaluable services to communities. Now, more than ever, it really is a case of use them or lose them.

“Retailers can visit our website for suggestions on how they can attract shoppers to their stores on the day. Whether that’s through exclusive one-off promotions or by collaborating with other shops in their community. Use the day to celebrate what you bring to your high street and online customers.”

This view is echoed by two supporting trade associations.

“This has been a profoundly challenging period for small shop owners,” says Mark Walmsley, chair of the Independent Retailers’ Confederation (IRC). “Whilst the independent retail community is relieved to be greeting customers face to face again, now the real challenges begin.

“Independents’ Day provides a perfect opportunity for local communities to rally round and support the small independent shops they tell us they value so much.”

The IRC recently launched ‘We are open’, an online map and directory of independent shops and small businesses that are still open and operating responsibly during the Covid-19 pandemic. Retailers can confirm their opening status here. Furthermore, all UK independent retailers can add a listing onto the site completely free of charge.

Also commenting is Greg Deacon, chief operating officer of the Federation of Independent Retailers. “Independent retailers around the country have shown remarkable levels of innovation over the past few months to keep their businesses going; and in many cases, to keep serving their customers in new and different ways.

“Whilst we can all applaud that, Independents’ Day gives us an ideal chance to celebrate small retailers and support them as they bring their bricks and mortar shops back to the heart of their communities.”

For more information about Independents’ Day UK, please click here.