St Albans BID is supporting Independents’ Day UK by encouraging shoppers to make an extra effort to support small and shop local in July.

Independents’ Day UK is a year-round campaign dedicated to supporting and promoting independent retail businesses throughout the UK. Each year, it culminates in a special focus around 4^th July, with this year’s campaign extending over the weekend of Saturday 6^th July and Sunday 7^th July. The campaign calls on shoppers and consumers to support independent retailers and businesses in their local communities.

Independent retailers are central to local communities and nationally make up about 65% of approximately 290,000 retail outlets. St Albans city centre is well-known for its retail offering, and particularly its independent scene. From trendy fashion boutiques to stylish homeware, specialist interests to everyday goods, St Albans’ businesses offer diversity and individuality.

Emma Bustamante, Business Owner, Cositas on Hollywell Hill:

“We’re lucky enough here in St Albans to have a lovely collection of independent retailers. It really helps us to stand out as a city with many visitors from out-of-town commenting on it positively when I’m chatting to them in the shop. All us hard working business owners are nothing without customers though – and that means we rely on the support of our local community. The high street is a tough place to be at the moment and Independents’ Day is a great reminder to celebrate, appreciate and buy from your favourite indies who help to make our city so great.”

Eddie James, Assistant Manager, Empire Records in Heritage Close:

“Independent businesses are important in St Albans, or any town or city, as they help it to maintain its own identity and character. People visiting St Albans do so for the history, the architecture, and green spaces, and often part of that overall experience includes shopping. As a tourist city we need independent businesses to help us stay unique and relevant to all, visitors and residents alike. Long live the indies!”

Tere Harrington, Retail Director, Raindrops on Roses on High Street:

“One of the biggest advantages of being an independent retailer is that we can sell and promote the products some of the amazing local artists and craftspeople design and create, from candles and toiletries to original paintings and jewellery.  It gives up and coming talented local people an opportunity to ‘get their name out there’, whilst we, Raindrops on Roses can donate all our profits to our chosen charity, Action Against Cancer.”

Vivien Cannon, BID Manager, St Albans BID (Business Improvement District) encourages support:

“The recent economic turmoil has had an immense impact on small businesses. Independents are essential to our city centre, as well as offering individuality and a personal service, they create jobs and support the local economy. We encourage shoppers to head out and support our independents not just for July but all year round.”

Follow @shopstalbans on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date with what’s on offer from St Albans independents and visit www.enjoystalbans.com for a store directory.#

Find out more about the Independents’ Day UK 2024 campaign and the work they do to support businesses visit: www.independentsdayuk.org