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Celebrate Independent’s Day and #shoplocal on Saturday
02/07/2020
Banbury’s Independent retailers invite you into town to fall back in love with Banbury post lockdown
Banbury’s local independent traders are inviting us all to join them in town this Saturday to celebrate Independent’s Day.
Saturday is July 4th and whilst across the Atlantic they will be celebrating their Independence Day, closer to home we are being encouraged to celebrate the wealth and variety of independent local traders we have in Banbury: Independent’s Day.
Barry Whitehouse from The Artery in Parson’s Street is Chair of the Old Town Association. He told Banbury FM, “The focus is to get people to fall back in love with their town centre and their local shops. Maybe they can make a pledge to spend a few pounds while they are there supporting their local shops and to see what shops and businesses we have in Banbury, which is quite a wide range”.
Pubs, restaurants and hairdressers are amongst the businesses reopening this weekend as lockdown restrictions are further eased, adding to the variety of places to visit for those heading in to town.
Mr Whitehouse added, “For many businesses the 4th of July has been a date on their calendar for the last twelve weeks whilst they have been unable to trade, or sell, or be open. So for them it’s a wonderful day to open their front doors and welcome in their regulars and hopefully some new customers”.
Whilst some businesses continued trading during lockdown, many had to close or severely restrict access to their premises. Time has been spent ensuring they are “COVID proof” and following strict new guidelines for operation. Mr Whitehouse said, “Its been a challenge but as indies we overcome them”.
Banbury Old Town Association has made available a map highlighting the huge number of independent retailers in Banbury. This is available on their Facebook page.
Across the UK July is designated as Independent Retailers month to support and promote independent retail businesses across the UK. Independents’ Day UK is focused on July 4th and creates an opportunity to invite people to visit their town and celebrate and pledge their support to their local businesses. Independent retailers account for about 65% of around 290,000 retail outlets in the UK and are at the heart of local communities throughout the country.
Mr Whitehouse said, “Hopefully having the Independent’s Day will encourage even more people to come and celebrate the variety of businesses we’ve got in town”.
You can listen to Barry Whitehouse speaking to Banbury FM here:
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam