With less than 40 days until Independents’ Day 2012, independent retailers across the country are gearing up to celebrate.

Now in its second year, the day will raise awareness of the contribution independents make to high streets by encourage the public to buy at least one item from them on July 4.

Towns and retailers have been encourage to put on special events and promotions for the day, including themed window displays, high street festivities and special offers.

Mark Cordell, chief executive of Bury St Edmunds community group Bid4Bury said: “Bury St Edmunds is again celebrating and supporting Independents’ Day. This year it falls on a Wednesday so as well as the great array of independent business in the town, we will also be involving the produce market traders. This will make it a great day for our loyal, local shoppers to come into our lovely market town to support our high quality independent businesses.”

This year, Skillsmart Retail and the National Skills Academy for Retail have teamed up with trade associations including British Independent Retailers Association, National Association of Goldsmiths, Entertainment Retailers Association, Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association (NIIRTA), as well as the My Shop is Your Shop, Indie Bound and Independent Retailer Month campaigns.

To stay up to date with all the activities, you can follow the campaign on Twitter @Retail_IndieDay, facebook.com/independentsday or on the news section of www.retailindieday.com