Thousands of small retailers from more than 120 towns and cities up and down the UK got into the spirit of Independents' Day on July 4.
In a bid to encourage customers to buy at least one item from an independent retailer, stores celebrated their individuality by hosting special events, running promotions and hosting themed window displays. Organised by The National Skills Academy for Retail and working in conjunction with Independent Retailer Month, the campaign has drawn support from several trade associations as well as ex-Dragon Den star Theo Paphitis.

Retailers in Lower Marsh, Waterloo, pulled out all the stops with street performers, bands and one-off stalls as part of a new Fantasy High Street concept. At the heart of the activity was DIY independent The Tool Shop, which hosted a special Akzo Nobel market stall outside its store, and launched month-long promotions, include £5 selected Akzo Nobel products.

Said the Tool Shop's administration manager Sarah Edmiston: "Here at the Tool Shop we work together with the community and suppliers to suppler the local independent retail environment and to encourage our customers to shop local.

"With extensive product knowledge gained through staff enthusiasm and supplier input we can give our customers a positive shopping experience."

The retailer enjoyed busier than normal trading conditions throughout the day, no doubt helped by the Akzo Nobel stand, manned by John Winton. "There's been a steady flow of customers throughout the day," he said, "with a lot of enquiries. That's what it's all about really, promoting products and the Tool Shop."