Over the next four months independent retailers all over the country are being encouraged to join the Independents' Day campaign, which encourages the public to buy at least one thing from their local independent shop on July 4.
Retailers can download campaign posters from www.retailindieday.com, celebrate the day in their stores and join forces with other retailers and town centre teams to hold special events aimed at capturing the public's imagination.

Independent retailers make up 92% of all retail business in the UK; Independents' Day was set up last year in recognition of the their importance to the local economy. The campaign champions diversity on the high street and recognises the skills behind the shop front. This year, Skillsmart Retail and the National Academy for Retial have teamed up with trade associations including BIRA and the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association (NIIRTA).

Skillsmart joined forces with the Waterloo Quarter BID team and many independent retailers in the Lower Marsh area recently to help launch the campaign four months ahead of the big day.

Head of the national skills academy for retail Jane Rexworthy said: "We are delighted to lead this campaign to celebrate diversity in retail. Independents' Day aims to highlight the huge range of skills successful independent retailers need to make our towns and cities such interesting and varied places to visit and shop.

"We recognise how vital small shops are to a healthy high street and we are making it easier for them to access schemes such as Apprenticeships. Over the next few months we want to encourage independent retailers to get behind this campaign and ensure their skills are top notch so they are ready for Independents' Day."

Waterloo Quarter director of operations Helen Santer said: "We heard about Independents' Day last year and are really thrilled to be able to be involved in 2012. We have a fantastic range of independent retailers in the area who showcase the variety that's out there and help make Waterloo a 'hidden gem' in London. We will be running a number of activities throughout July so make sure you're in the area!"

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