The My Shop is Your Shop campaign returns to propel independent retailers to the national spotlight this month with a new emphasis on a year-round celebration of the local shop's place at the heart of its community.
National Independents' Week (NIW) runs from May 31-June 6, but campaign organiser the Federation of Wholesale Distributors is encouraging small stores to demonstrate their engagement with the MSYS programme, and their community in general, throughout the year.
It has selected 20 retailers from around the country who will act as mentors for others who wish to host community events, each of whom is leading the way with their own programme of activities for NIW.
Lesley Brown of Frankmarsh Stores in Barnstable, Devon, said: "We're starting with a Community Quiz on Monday, a Youngest Customer competition on Tuesday, supporting the locally run Community Action Day by hosting a BBQ for locals, holding a Tasting Day, and ending on Saturday with the 'Frankmarsh's Got Talent' show that was such success last year."
In Dorrington, near Shrewsbury, Steve Morris is holding a wine tasting and a kids' colouring competition, while Vanessa Griffiths of Henllan Village Store in Denbighshire, North Wales, is to host a tea party.
To kick off the week, independent-only promotional offers will appear in the News of the World on Sunday, May 30. Offers include 30p off Buxton water; 50p off a four-pack of Carling; 50p off Fanta 500ml; and 30p off Cadbury Wispa or Wispa Gold.
National Independents' Week (NIW) runs from May 31-June 6, but campaign organiser the Federation of Wholesale Distributors is encouraging small stores to demonstrate their engagement with the MSYS programme, and their community in general, throughout the year.
It has selected 20 retailers from around the country who will act as mentors for others who wish to host community events, each of whom is leading the way with their own programme of activities for NIW.
Lesley Brown of Frankmarsh Stores in Barnstable, Devon, said: "We're starting with a Community Quiz on Monday, a Youngest Customer competition on Tuesday, supporting the locally run Community Action Day by hosting a BBQ for locals, holding a Tasting Day, and ending on Saturday with the 'Frankmarsh's Got Talent' show that was such success last year."
In Dorrington, near Shrewsbury, Steve Morris is holding a wine tasting and a kids' colouring competition, while Vanessa Griffiths of Henllan Village Store in Denbighshire, North Wales, is to host a tea party.
To kick off the week, independent-only promotional offers will appear in the News of the World on Sunday, May 30. Offers include 30p off Buxton water; 50p off a four-pack of Carling; 50p off Fanta 500ml; and 30p off Cadbury Wispa or Wispa Gold.
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