Yorkshire backing for ‘shop local’ campaign
President Barack Obama visited an independent book shop on this year’s Small Business Saturday, which has taken place on the first weekend after Thanksgiving since 2010.
Now Mr Umunna has written to credit card giant American Express – which devised and sponsors the initiative – to ask if it could bring it to the UK.
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Hide AdHe suggested December 7 as the day to promote hard-pressed small shop owners.
US figures suggest American consumers aware of the promotion, which is heavily plugged in social media and enjoys celebrity support, spent £3.4bn in small shops on the day this year.
“We must do more to celebrate the contribution local, small independent businesses make to our economy and encourage people to buy from them,” Mr Umunna said.
“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy, play a hugely important role in our communities and add to the unique character of each locality.
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Hide Ad“Establishing a Small Business Saturday in the UK, a concept which has enjoyed considerable success in the US, would provide a small but simple and effective way to celebrate local small businesses and encourage more people to buy from them on one of the busiest shopping days of the year.
“A Small Business Saturday in the UK is something all local authorities, whatever their political persuasion, could support and promote. Labour administrations in Manchester, Birmingham and London are already supporting our national campaign to establish a Small Business Saturday in the UK.”
Campaigners in Yorkshire welcomed Mr Umunna’s suggestion, although they said Totally Locally, a social enterprise based in Sowerby Bridge, is ahead of the game when it comes to promoting independent shops, having run campaigns in 17 towns and villages.
Margaret Dale, of Keep Holmfirth Special, which opposed plans for a Tesco on the edge of Holmfirth, said people should be encouraged to break their “routine” of supermarket shopping. “It’s about getting people to change their patterns of behaviour. So, yes, it does need a campaign.”