Friday, 9.10am - TRADERS in Grantham are celebrating their first Independents' Day today to promote the diverity of the town's businesses. PR consultant Lesley Pashley looks at the advantages of using independent firms.
Too often we end up using the same shops and buying the same things – things that you can buy off every high street and in every supermarket in every town across the country.
CLICK HERE FOR A LIST OF TRADERS TAKING PART IN INDEPENDENTS' DAYOur high streets have, unfortunately, become dominated by the national chains.
In 2005 the New Economics Foundation produced a survey called Clone Town Britain revealing that 42% of all towns in Britain are now 'clone' towns – looking the same wherever you are.
Do the people of Grantham want a clone town? Or do we want a home town - one that values and uses its independent retailers and traders?
In Grantham an amazing 52 per cent of our outlets are independently owned!
We need to ensure that this level is at least maintained if not increased.
If you shop at independents, then give yourself a pat on the back.
If you don't, just consider some of the advantages:
Choice – independents offer products and services that you can't find in the national chains. If you want something different, try shopping in an independent retailer.
Service – independents tend to offer much higher levels of customer service. An independent is often run buy a passionate owner and this passion manifests itself in an in-depth knowledge of their product, service and customer.
Value for Money – when comparing quality versus price, independents offer excellent value for money. And, in many instances, independent outlets are actually cheaper than national chains.
The famous economist, Adam Smith, described Britain as a nation of shopkeepers.
Let's make Grantham a shopping town we are proud of and one that we shop in.
Let's support our local shopkeepers and help Grantham town centre regain its character and spirit.
E-mail your news and views to comment@granthamjournal.co.uk
Don't forget your copy of the Grantham Journal this Friday!The full article contains 350 words and appears in n/a newspaper.
