Independent Retail Q&A
Declare
We talk to Clare Rayner, ‘The Retail Champion’ and UK Lead for Independent Retailer Month about the importance of looking after the little guy.
Independent Retailer Month is an annual event that takes place each July to salute our great British independent retailers. Customers are encouraged to ‘shop local’ in support of the smaller businesses that bring diversity to our high streets. Clare Rayner has been working hard to encourage people across the UK to get involved…
A1: How did Independent Retailer Month first come about? Clare Rayner: Independent Retailer Month started in the USA when co‐Founders Kerry Bannigan of Nolcha and Tom Shay of Profit’s Plus discovered they were running various events in towns and Cities around the USA. As a result of their conversations they determined that, in order to support a wider group of retailers, they could collaborate and create a month‐long campaign. Independent Retailer Month was born. In June 2011 Kerry Bannigan contacted me about launching the campaign in the UK – but given the campaign runs throughout July we had almost no time to prepare. A team of willing volunteers helped develop branding, a website and a social media presence. By 1st July 2011 Independent Retailer Month had arrived in the UK!
A1: Are there any exciting new changes this year? CR:We’ve done a huge amount since last year. We’ve engaged with a fantastic network of official supporters that include BIRA, FSB, ATCM, AMT, NABMA, NMTF and Skillsmart Retail, and we’ve also worked hard to improve and increase our online presence. We’ve introduced a UK Shops Directory where retailers can list their store or ecommerce site, free of charge, as well as ‘How to’ Guides – a range of topical and useful resources that are readily available for retailers to download. Retailers are now given access to a stunning window poster and all of our logos to show their support and pique the interest of passing consumers. Events listings are also available so that retailers
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who are planning promotions, activities or events during July can send us the details and we can promote them via the website. We are also repeating our “blog‐a‐day for Indie Retail”, which was a great success last year, with 31 guest blogs being written that will be published every day throughout July.
A1: How can Britain go about celebrating their independent retailers this year? CR: There are two sides to the approach – Independent Retailer Month is about supporting the businesses to create an environment that entices consumers. It’s then over to the retailers themselves to ensure what they do is relevant, appealing and engaging for their local community. What consumers want from their local high streets and town centres will vary widely up and down the UK, and we certainly wouldn’t advocate a 1‐size‐fits‐all approach. However, to get the creative juices flowing we have provided a “How to make the most of independent retailer month” guide as one of the “How to…” documents to help retailers get inspiration and ideas.
A1: How important is independent retail to our communities? CR: There are over 169,000 independent retail businesses in the UK, equating to 92% of all retail businesses. From fashion boutiques and art galleries to convenience shops and DIY stores, independent retailers form a valuable and treasured part of many communities. They also form an integral part of local economies and contribute greatly to local employment. Often it’s the independent retailers who provide a route to market for up and coming designers and
www.a1retailmagazine.com
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