Debunking the myth that high-street chains are cheaper than buying independent, customers are being given a Christmas discount to shop in Manchester’s Northern Quarter.
This Small Business Saturday (December 6), Manchester City Council is offering a £20 discount when shoppers make a purchase of more than £20 with any Northern Quarter business or market stall.
A pop up market will include businesses in the Craft and Design Centre and offer free gift-wrapping on all purchases more than £10.
Entertainment will be provided by the She Singers, who will be performing Christmas carols.
Table and home ware designer Ella McIntosh from This is Pewter will be taking part in the event in the Northern Quarter.
She said: “Small Business Saturday is great, because small businesses don’t have massive marketing budgets to spend on making sure people are aware of them.
“Small businesses can offer more of a one-to-one, personal service. Some of my regular customers will just pop in for a chat or a brew, or to talk about an idea they’ve got, which I can then make for them.”
Small Business Saturday began in the USA, and the idea was brought to the UK last year, it is a nationwide event to encourage people to buy local and events will be held across Greater Manchester.
Customers will be encouraged to photograph purchases and tweet using #SmallBizSatMCR.
Manchester South Councillor Jeff Smith said almost £500million of extra trade went to small firms during the event last year.
“Small and independent businesses make a vital contribution to our community, add to the character of neighbourhoods and are a source of local jobs,” he said.
In Bolton, MP Julie Hilling will join local business owners on Market Street Westhoughton to mark Small Business Saturday on 6th December
Ms Hilling said: “The contribution small businesses make to Bolton is vital to the success of our high streets.
“There are many passionate business owners in Westhoughton and I want to highlight their excellent work.”
Image courtesy of Tim Brockley, with thanks.
