Do you want to do your Christmas shopping and also help support local businesses? Well with only 20 days until Christmas you might be pleased to know you can do both!
This weekend sees a new initiative to boost local trade with the UK’s first ever Small Business Saturday.
For many it is a counter-balance against Black Friday and Cyber Monday which seem to focus more on large retailers and web shopping
The campaign aims to capitalise on the busiest retail day of the year and encourage the public to consider shopping with smaller businesses rather than heading to larger retailers in out of town shopping centres.
Cllr Sue Murphy, deputy leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Small businesses are often the backbone of their communities, working closely with local people and providing vital services. But, like many of us, they have been struggling over the past few years.
“Small Business Saturday is an excellent opportunity for people across the city to get behind these small companies, and the build up to Christmas is an excellent time to show your support by buying some of your gifts and festive supplies from smaller independent shops.”
The concept has been a huge success in America where it has boosted sales for small business to the tune of £3.4billion a year since its inception in 2010.
Organisers Here are hoping that the idea will provide a similar boost and events planned all over the Manchester area to support the initiative ranging from organised shopping clauses to give-aways and discounts to encourage shoppers.
One small business hoping to benefit is Sidnie Co Couture on Upper Chorlton Road.
Owner Sidnie Pantry said: “There is a real need for micro-business support in Manchester so it’s good to see organisations working together.
“Independent retailers need to have more of a voice and it’s my ambition to bring us closer together through events like Small Business Saturday.”
Councils and trade organisations all over Greater Manchester are hoping to plug into the increase in interest in the high street and local small businesses. Many are offering free parking to encourage people to support the event.
In Altrincham a number of local businesses are taking part. There will be money saving offers and other events to encourage the town’s shoppers to explore and discover something new on the run up to Christmas.
There will also be a small business clinic offering free advice for those interested in setting up a business in the town.
Altrincham Town Centre Manager, Paul Armstrong said: “This initiative is the chance for the public to support small business in Altrincham on one of the busiest shopping days of the year.
“Our small businesses add a great deal to the shopping offer in Altrincham and it’s great that a day has been created to support and recognise their contribution.”
Image courtesy of Images_of_money, with thanks
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