Small business Saturday takes place on December 1st and Cestrians are being urged to support small businesses as part of a national campaign.
In support of the national campaign, ‘Small Business Saturday’, which aims to boost trade in the UK for small and independent businesses, shoppers and diners are being asked to ‘shop local’ and support the local traders that give Chester’s high street its unique appeal. The campaign has the full backing of CH1ChesterBID, which is promoting the initiative to help highlight the vital role that these businesses play in the local community.
With Christmas on its way, Chester’s Business Improvement District (BID) hopes that shoppers will venture out to experience the magic of Christmas in the city and support their local high street.
Carl Critchlow, BID Manager at CH1ChesterBID, said: “Christmas is a wonderful time of year in Chester and as a city, it truly does offer a unique shopping and dining experience. From an array of exceptional eateries and bars, to hidden gems for any Christmas gifts, there’s plenty of one-off experiences and presents to find in the city centre during the festive period.
“We’re encouraging people to get behind Small Business Saturday and discover boutique stores and restaurants this weekend in support of the national campaign, but it’s much more than just one weekend. We’re working hard to drive more people into the city centre all-year round and we need residents and visitors to support our local businesses too.
“Our initiatives such as Love Local – which now has more than 50 small and independent businesses signed up – and The Watergate Street Festival are just a couple of examples of how we are championing our independent retailer community throughout the year. As a BID, we also provide our members with free training courses, marketing support, cleaning programmes to ensure shop fronts are welcoming.
“Promoting our small and independent businesses is a real priority for us, but they also rely so much on the support of customers and positive word of mouth. That’s why this weekend we want local residents and visitors to make an extra effort to get behind them, leave the laptops and tablets at home and explore the high street so the whole city and our local economy can benefit.”
Last year, shoppers put a record £750m into UK tills on Small Business Saturday and it is hoped that figure will be eclipsed this year.
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