The My Shop is Your Shop campaign (MSYS) is urging retailers to get involved in the community as a way to promote their stores ahead of the festive season.

At a recent media training seminar for retailers, MSYS offered up a range of ideas that would bring publicity to a store's Christmas campaigns.

Topping the list was promoting a community energy watch that encourages customers to look out for vulnerable people who may have large energy bills over Christmas. Other tips included sponsoring a community Christmas tree, linking up with schools to hold carol singing in the store, collecting for local charities and inviting MPs, newspapers and radio stations in-store to show local support.

MSYS has also announced that National Cuppa Day 2009 will take place on Wednesday, June 3.