Independents' Day

On Monday, July 4th, the public is being encouraged to buy at least one item from Rotherham's independent shops and markets with the Mayor of Rotherham leading the way. 

At 12.30 pm Coun. Shaun Wright will be visiting the Rotherham Markets Complex to see first-hand both the variety and quality of goods on offer.

He will be given a tour around the indoor market - home to 80 independent traders -  as well as visiting the outdoor market, which attracts a further 120 independent traders throughout the week. In addition, the town also benefits from a monthly Farmers market and weekly Tuesday Street market, all set among a diverse range of 154 independent and specialist shops across the town centre, including 14 new retailers who have taken advantage of the Town Centre Vitality Grant Scheme.

Before his tour, Coun. Wright will also be on 'stall duty' - encouraging visitors to sign up to the hugely successful Town Centre Shop Local scheme.

From 11am anyone signing up for a Shop Local Loyalty Card at a special stall just outside the market entrance will be entered into a free prize draw for the chance to win one of two £50 hampers.

Shop Local was launched in June last year and has so far encouraged 10,500 cardholders to enjoy the benefits of discounts, offers and free gifts in over 100 Rotherham stores.

Coun. Gerald Smith, Town Centre Cabinet Member for Rotherham Borough Council, has encouraged all shoppers to take part in Independents' Day.

He said: "Rotherham prides itself on its range of diverse independent shops and so is well placed to take part in the national Independents' Day. We have some great shops and market stalls and the Shop Local scheme has proved to be really popular, receiving huge support from the shopping public.

"They have discovered that anyone who Shops Local will get value for money for distinctive quality products and services as well as excellent customer service. They will also be boosting the local economy and employment."

Independent's Day is being organised by Skillsmart Retail and the National Skills Academy for Retail who are teaming up with independent retailers and trade associations around the country to encourage the public to celebrate diversity on the high street.

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 is 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!"