30/07/11….Your high street needs you!
THE date that commemorates American independence, will have a different meaning this year in the high streets of our market towns.
On July 04, across the country, the public will be encouraged to buy at least one item from their local, independent shop to keep the high street alive.
Skillsmart Retail and the National Skills Academy for Retail have teamed up with independent retailers and trade associations around the country to encourage the public to celebrate diversity on the high street and support their local, independent retailers on July 04. Retailers can download the ?Your high street needs you!? poster online, ?like? the campaign on Facebook and follow it on twitter.
Fresh data from Local Data Company?s surveys of 2,700 UK retail destinations (out of a potential 4,400 total UK destinations), highlights that high street vacancy rates have started to rise again. The Local Data Company states that 14.6% of outlets are now vacant. This indicates that approximately 50,000 units are now not currently open to business on the UK high streets, showing just how challenging the situation is on the ground.
Chris Wade, Chief Executive of Action for Market Towns (AMT), said: ?AMT works with 400 member towns across the country to maintain local services and re-vitalise the High Street. We need to keep our town centres as vibrant places where everyone can do business.
?Our simple message is, one good shop cannot save the High Street but a handful working together maybe can. We are supporting Independents? Day 2011 and encouraging our members to support it too.?
Anne Seaman, Chief Executive of Skillsmart Retail said: ?We are delighted to lead this campaign and support small retailers. Raising awareness amongst the public is one of the biggest challenges smaller retailers face and our message is about encouraging the public to use their local high street and understand how important a diverse retail sector is.
It?s also essential that local retailers understand that to compete today they need to be top of their game. The time for sitting back has passed and action is required: Your high street needs you!?
