Running throughout July, Independents Month is here to remind us just how special and unique Salisbury’s independent businesses truly are.
Independents Month is a national campaign, coinciding with Independents Day on 4th July, to highlight the important role local, independent businesses play in the communities they serve.
Research suggests for every £1 spent locally, up to 70p of that money recirculates back into the local economy. For the same £1 spent out of town or online, only 5p comes back into our local community. *
There over 150 independent businesses in Salisbury city centre offering the highest quality products, exceptional customer service, value for money and specialist expert knowledge - a rare offering that plays a crucial role in Salisbury’s economy and identity.
Now, more than ever, Salisbury needs to support its independent business community.
Susi Mason, Salisbury BID Retail Director and owner of Casa Fina, said: “Independents Month is an opportunity for us to highlight and celebrate Salisbury’s abundance of independent businesses. It’s these businesses that make our city so special and unique.
“Independent businesses, in particular, have felt the effects of the COVID-19 crisis and we’re calling on the local community of Salisbury to show their support. This support is what will allow businesses to recover and thrive.
“Nobody wants to see our city centre full of empty shops; we all want to live in a bustling and vibrant city. So, on behalf of Salisbury’s businesses, let’s show solidarity as a community and please do what you can to shop locally.”
Although we’re celebrating independents month, the BID is also reminding people of the importance of supporting Salisbury’s national brands too.
Robin McGowan, Chief Executive of Salisbury BID, said: “National brands play a key role in the overall offering of Salisbury, and these businesses have also been impacted by the pandemic. It’s important for us to remind people that if these shops in Salisbury aren’t used, we’ll lose them too.
“The message is simple, please prioritise using all our businesses in the city centre rather than shopping online and in other towns and cities.”
The drive comes as part of #ShopSalisbury; a wider initiative to get local people back into the city centre post-lockdown.
Salisbury BID is currently running a month-long #ShopSalisbury competition with a prize of a £250 Salisbury Gift Card.
(Photo: Susi Mason, Salisbury BID Director and owner of Casa Fina, by Simon Ward Photography.)
In partnership with VisitWiltshire, Salisbury BID co-fund the Visit Salisbury website to promote the city to visitors. The Visit Salisbury website has a full events calendar for Salisbury.
