Independents’ Day UK in partnership with Local Rewards is encouraging consumers to make an extra effort to ‘shop small’ this weekend.

The campaign exists to promote independent retail businesses all year round. However, there is an annual focus to encourage shoppers to support independent businesses. This year, ‘Independents’ Day’ falls on 2-3 July.

The call for support comes as research from the Local Data Company identifies that the proportion of independent retailers on British high streets has grown from 64% in 2016 to 67% in 2021.

According to the Local Data Company, this represents an increase in independent retail businesses in the UK − for the first time in five years − by net 2,157 retailers in 2021. In addition, the majority of high street occupiers across the country are now independent (67%). The remaining 33% are multiples.

Commenting is Howard Robinson, a spokesperson for the campaign.

“Independents are the life and soul of our high streets, offering levels of service, personal touch and character that many larger multiples would dream of. Despite the challenges faced by Covid across the last two years, Britain’s indies have risen to the top and proved their ingenuity and adaptability to not just survive but thrive in difficult circumstances.

“That said, it really still is a case of use them or lose them. So, this weekend, and all year round, we are encouraging shoppers to head down to their high street and shop small.”

To learn more about Independents’ Day UK, please click here.