the Support for Independent Retail campaign

Clare Rayner, founder of the Support for Independent Retail campaign, for which Independent Retailer Month is one of the key annual events, says: “2013 is the third year for Independent Retailer Month and we intend it to be the best yet. I’m delighted to work alongside the NSA for Retail, and it’s great to have this national, consumer-facing event as a kick-start to this year’s Independent Retailer Month.

ekonglong wooden reception desk

“Whilst we’re focusing on celebrating our smaller retailers and consumer-facing businesses it is important to remind ourselves that many smaller businesses are still in a precarious position. LDC (local data company) found that in the second half of 2012, and for the first time in over two years, more independent shops closed than opened. Research produced from bira showed that some 16% of all independent retailers fear they will not survive 2013 if things don’t improve. The loss of more shops from our high streets and villages is a very real risk. If something isn’t done to help re-connect local consumers with local businesses, it is forecast that the UK high street vacancy rate could climb from around 14% to an alarmingly high 17%.

“It’s simple, effective activities, such as these campaign events, that can really help to start the process of changing consumer habits, reminding people that they stand to lose all the fantastic shops in their area if they never visit them and never spend with them. It’s imperative that our independent retailers get the support of their local community to survive in challenging trading conditions. If people really do care about having thriving local businesses then they need to put their money where their mouth is, and actually spend with them! If not then they will only have themselves to blame if their communities revert to clone towns, or worse, ghost towns.”

Thousands of independent retailers across the UK are expected to participate in this year’s activities. Retailers interested in taking part can stay up to date with all the activities by following @IndieRetailUK on Twitter, by visiting the facebook page at or by subscribing to the regular news and updates from the campaign via