In order to take advantage of the recent lift in consumer confidence, retailers are pulling a number of tricks out of the bag to maximise profits and make up for several years of poor results. Promotions, offers and BOGOF deals have become seemingly permanent features of the high street and supermarkets – yet while chain stores are benefiting hugely from this, independent retailers who cannot afford long-term price drops are feeling the pinch as much as ever.
Fortunately, local authorities around the country have cottoned on to this issue and are now attempting to support small businesses on the high street. One prime example of community involvement is in Sheffield, where the first Summer Saturday event was held last weekend with great success.
The Independents’ Day Market aimed to showcase the variety of unique small businesses which can be found within the city limits by bringing a selection together in something of a street-party style. It was hoped that, by shaking up the usual retail atmosphere and giving the city centre a “fun factor”, more consumers would be drawn onto the high street to spend money supporting local retailers rather than multi-national chain stores in out of town shopping centres.
However, while many of the city’s independent retailers set up stalls, not all chose to use the event as a platform for additional selling. Sheffield’s most established family-run retailer, Atkinson’s, instead set up an exhibition to look back upon its 141 years as an integral part of the city’s retail industry.
Manager Graham Frith spoke of Sheffield’s need for independent stores, claiming they are what make the city “different” from others around the country.
He said; “We will be at the market, not to sell, but to tell the people of Sheffield about our history and our future.
“We’ve been trading for 141 years and the city has such a vibrant retail history to share.
“It’s important we show residents we are players in the industry – we’ve got to stay different to survive.”
Increasing numbers of towns and cities across the UK are implementing schemes such as Summer Saturdays in a bid to entice consumers back onto the high street. Should this type of initiative prove successful, there is every chance that this season could bring a little sunshine to the lives of Britain’s independent retailers.
Find out more about Sheffield’s Summer Saturdays here.
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