Independents’ Day the perfect way to #ShopLocal, #ShopSafe

Mid and East Antrim Mayor, Cllr Peter Johnston, is calling on shoppers to show their support for our local retailers as they join in the 2020 Retail NI Independents’ Day campaign this weekend.

Our streets are already starting to look busier, as people choose to #Shop Local, Shop Safe – and with a unique mix of family-owned businesses throughout the borough, there’s no shortage of special offers to be enjoyed right on your doorstep!

Independents' Day UK, this Saturday 4 July, is your chance to show some love for the independent retailers you value most in your local community, and as we move through the recovery phase of the Coronavirus crisis, our local businesses need that support more than ever.

Independent business owners account for around 65% of the approximately 290,000 retail outlets in the UK and are at the heart of our local communities.

The Mayor hopes shoppers will give their backing to the campaign and support our retailers now and throughout the year.

“Mid and East Antrim is open for business, and I hope our community will show their support for our smaller, independent retailers as we continue to move out of the lockdown restrictions.

"Many of our businesses have been there to support us when we needed them. Some have stayed open on the ‘front line’ to serve the community and it is now our turn to repay the gesture and give them back the support they deserve.

“The Independents’ Day Retail NI campaign is the perfect way to send a message to our local businesses, who are providing employment in our borough and helping to grow a strong local economy, that they are valued.

“There will be plenty of special offers for shoppers, so I urge everyone to #ShopLocal, #ShopSafe.”

Alderman Audrey Wales MBE, Life Member and former President of Ballymena Chamber of Commerce and a former independent retailer in the town, said:

“There is no doubt that our business community has faced many challenges as a result of the Coronavirus lockdown.

“It is great to see the buzz that has returned to our towns and villages in recent weeks, and I look forward to even more of our businesses reopening their doors during July.

“Local people have always supported our retailers and I know they will want to join in the Independents’ Day campaign and #RediscoverMEA and all we have to offer.”