Midhurst celebrates Independents' Day by encouraging people to support their local shops

Residents and visitors across the country are encouraged to buy at least one item from their local, independent shop to celebrate Independents' Day 2012 on Wednesday 4 July 2012.

The national campaign, organised by Skillsmart Retail and the National Skills Academy for Retail, champions the local retailers who make the UK's villages, towns and cities so special.

Special offers will run throughout the day within Midhurst, including discounts and free extras. A variety of businesses are taking part, including cafes, boutiques, shoe shops, outdoor wear specialists, homeware shops, florists, beauty therapists, jewellers, upholsters and even motor repairs. Local students will also be helping by handing out leaflets and signposting visitors around the town.

Melanie Burgoyne, Rural Towns Co-ordinator at Chichester District Council, says: "Over 160,000 independent retailers make up 92% of all retail businesses in the UK, and so their importance to local economies as well as their contribution to a location's identity and community is unrivalled.

"Midhurst has a vast array of independent shops that help to make the town special and distinctive. Local businesses want to use Independents' Day to highlight what the town has to offer and to encourage more people to shop locally and experience the excellent service on offer."

The businesses taking part are:

• Between the Lines - double points on 4 July for customers holding a Between the Lines loyalty card
• Black Sheep - up to 50% off cashmere and 40% off all summer dresses.
• Cabbage White
• Caffe Verdi - freshly-made sandwich offers on the day
• Down to Earth - double Reward Card points on all skincare products on 4 July
• Estetica - 10% off any products purchased on Independents' Day - Environ, Dermatologica, St Tropez, Tisserand
• Garton's Coffee House - half price drinks all day on 4 July
• JE Allnutt & Son - 10% off Tissot watches
• KerryType - spend £25 and receive free ream A4 white 80gsm paper
• Midhurst Engineering - 10% discount on labour.
• Pandora
• The Real Flower Company - free goody bag with every £20 spent
• Revamps - many items half-price
• Seven Fish
• Stepping Out
• Stockley Trading - 10% off on 4 July
• Truffle - 30% discount on all display stock on 4 July, subject to availability
• The Upholsterer - 20% off all fabric and wallpaper orders placed on 4 July

Date: 21 June 2012

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