Independent retailers are being urged to get behind a week-long celebration this month of all things indie.
Love Your High Street Week is organised by the British Independent Retailer Association (Bira) and will be held on Monday 13th November 2023 – Sunday 19th November 2023.
The initiative aims to show consumers why shopping locally is good for them, their local community and local economy.
The campaign also emphasises the sense of belonging and connection among local residents that shopping locally can create, and the environmental benefits gained by reducing the carbon footprint associated with long-distance supply chains.
Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira said: “This event is about rallying support for our high streets during what has been a challenging period for them all, and within the Golden Quarter of shopping as we reach the festive period.
“We invite every shop to take part in this celebration, encouraging shoppers to show their support for the local businesses that form the heartbeat of our communities. It’s easy to take part, and we have a host of collateral such as window posters, social media assets and website banners for businesses to use for free. It’s all about celebrating the spirit of local entrepreneurship and getting our consumers engaged with their shops, our incredible independents who work so hard to bring variety and life to the high street on a daily basis.”
Retailers can get involved by downloading and displaying the assets contained in a special Love Your High Street tool kit, which includes printable widow posters, social media assets and website banners.
Health Stores UK (a member of Bira) is backing the promotion and urging members to get actively involved. Chair, Len Glenville, said: “It’s a great way to remind shoppers in our local communities of the importance of supporting all independent retailers on their local high streets. The timing of event, coming just ahead of Black Friday – the ‘Grinch that stole Christmas for so many small retailers’, as someone memorably put it – is impeccable!”.
