Independent bakers and other retailers are being urged to celebrate their individuality by holding a range of events throughout July during the fourth Independent Retailer Month campaign.

The campaign aims to raise awareness of thousands of local business and increase footfall into town and village centres.

Clare Rayner, the retail champion and founder of Independent Retailer Month, said: “As we enter our fourth consecutive year, we want consumers to understand the importance of their local businesses. Springboard Research for the British Retail Consortium found that high street footfall was down 26% from 2007–2013 during traditional hours, although notably revealed that there was growth in the evenings from 5pm to 8pm, and at the weekends. It’s really important that shoppers return to their local brands and see what small, independent businesses can offer.

Campaign

“Independent Retailer Month is an unfunded campaign and we don’t want retailers to damage their margins with one-day discount events. Instead, we want a month-long celebration of our independent retailers to reconnect communities with their local businesses and help create a change in consumer behaviour that will last well beyond the end of July.”

Retailers taking part can access free POS at www.independentretailermonth.co.uk/resources/.

Meanwhile, the government is to launch a competition to find the best high street in Britain as part of a partnership with high streets minister Brandon Lewis. He wants to highlight the achievements of towns that are “rising to the challenge” of the current market, such as providing click & collect services.