You know me, I’m a big fan of the ol’ high street. ‘Use them or lose them’ I say, especially in response to these know-it-all online shoppers. So, if there’s one day of the year I’m a big advocate of, it’s Independent Retailers’ Day.

At the rate online shopping is going, there won’t be many independent boutiques left in our towns and villages, and I find that a rather sad story to be honest. One of my favourite independent retail stores was Hawkins of Hitchin. I spent many a penny there over the years and was sad to see it close when Peter Hawkins retired at the beginning of the year. But keep me away from Hitchin, they cannot, and what better place to celebrate Independent Retailers’ Day?

This not-for-profit business campaign runs annually on 4th July, promoting the use of our independent stores across the UK. Retailers often get involved by running special events and promotions, including using themed window displays and offering discounts in their stores. Just remember a gain online is a loss on our high street, so I find initiatives like this extremely worthy in our modern cyber climate.

Please do try and stick to using your independents when possible, just remember when you shop wired another high street store is fired!