NEWS

Skillsmart Retail and the National Skills Academy for Retail have teamed up with independent retailers and trade associations around the country to encourage the public to celebrate diversity on the high street and support their local, independent retailers on 4th July.

Fresh data from Local Data Company’s surveys of 2,700 UK retail destinations (out of a potential 4,400 total UK destinations), highlights that high street vacancy rates have started to rise again. The Local Data Company states that 14.6% of outlets are now vacant. This indicates that approximately 50,000 units are now not currently open to business on the UK high streets, showing just how challenging the situation is on the ground.

Anne Seaman, Chief Executive of Skillsmart Retail said: ''We are delighted to lead this campaign and support small retailers. Raising awareness amongst the public is one of the biggest challenges smaller retailers face and our message is about encouraging the public to use their local high street and understand how important a diverse retail sector is.

It’s also essential that local retailers understand that to compete today they need to be top of their game. The time for sitting back has passed and action is required:
Your high street needs you!''

To celebrate Independents’ Day, Moss of Bath will be offering a 10% discount on *any purchase* made in store on Monday 4th July, 2011.

Owner, Tim Moss said, ''The city of Bath still has a diverse and resilient independent sector and if consumers support them it should mean that money is retained within the local economy to support local growth in jobs and other opportunities. Moss of Bath is happy to support the Skillsmart Retail Independents’ Day and we hope that other independents’ in Bath will join in too.''

*T&C’s Apply*