Celebrating Independent Retailer Month at The Pantiles

July marks Independent Retailer Month, a celebration aimed at supporting local businesses and increasing footfall in town and village centres. This month-long event connects consumers and communities with local retailers, emphasising the benefits of shopping with independent brands.

The Vital Role of Independent Businesses

Since its UK inception in July 2011, Independent Retailer Month has flourished, involving thousands of retailers and consumer-facing businesses nationwide. This initiative spotlights the crucial role smaller, independent retailers play in their communities, the local economy and the retail sector.

The campaign encourages independent retailers, groups of retailers and even entire towns to create engaging promotions, activities and events throughout July, addressing the pressing issue of footfall in town and village centres.

Independent Retailer Month UK is spearheaded by Clare Rayner, The Retail Champion, who also founded the “Support for Independent Retail” campaign. This includes events like “Enjoy an Independent Easter” and “Celebrate an Independent Christmas.”

Clare Rayner states, “Independent Retailer Month is an unfunded campaign, and we don’t want retailers to damage their margins with one-day discount events. Instead, we want a month-long celebration of our independent retailers to reconnect communities with their local businesses and help create a change in consumer behaviour that will last well beyond the end of July.”

Shop Small at The Pantiles

The Pantiles is renowned for its independently owned boutique stores and services, making it the perfect place to “shop small” and discover unique, bespoke and handcrafted items. Alongside fantastic fine dining and handmade delicacies, The Pantiles hosts regular markets that champion small independent businesses.

Here is a selection of the independent retailers you can find at The Pantiles:

• Catherine Hills Jewellery: An internationally acclaimed designer, Catherine Hills created jewellery for the Harry Potter films. Her boutique offers stunning, tactile and feminine pieces, with cabinets filled with collections that exude individuality. Visitors can observe Catherine crafting her distinctive pieces right in the shop.
• Collared: A dog accessory and gift shop, Collared sources top-quality products from around the world for dogs and their owners. Brands include Puppia, West Paw, Wacky Walker, Rough Wear, Walters, Hunter and Flexi.
• Pantiles Cameras: This family-run business has been trading for over 40 years. Pantiles Cameras offers extensive product knowledge and outstanding customer service. They sell genuine UK-sourced digital cameras and equipment with full UK guarantees.
• Peter Jenner: Specialising in unique, stylish and durable accessories, Peter Jenner’s jewellery store offers commissioned pieces and one-of-a-kind gifts, with over 40 years of experience.
• The Pantiles Bride: Catering to the modern bride who values quality, The Pantiles Bride offers the best selection of designer gowns in the Southeast, along with exceptional customer service.
• Trevor Mottram: Named “Independent Cookshop of the Year,” Trevor Mottram offers a wide range of quality kitchenware, from whisks to plates and clocks to cutlery.

Come to The Pantiles this Independent Retailer Month and support your local small businesses! Celebrate the uniqueness and craftsmanship that these independent retailers bring to our community.