Shoppers are being encouraged to make the most of the independent retailers in Tameside's town centres this weekend.

The Tameside Council-backed Independents’ Day takes place over 3 and 4 July and is designed to raise awareness of independent retailers and everything they offer.

The national initiative is a chance to visit local retailers open for business and in need of support following the challenges presented by the pandemic.

Towns across the borough have a variety of independent stores including butchers, bakers, greengrocers, jewellers, clothes shops among many more.

With between 50p and 70p of every pound spent with local businesses staying in the local economy, the council say buying locally boosts the local economy and helps to re-build confidence that will allow independent retailers to flourish.

In the UK, independent retailers make up 65 per cent of the high street and provide a vital link to the communities they serve and the wider economy.

Cllr Oliver Ryan, Tameside Council executive member for Finance and Economic Growth, said: “We’ve got some incredible local retailers here in Tameside which provide a friendly and personal service both on the high streets and in our markets.

"We have a number of specialist retailers across our borough offering unique or one-off products and I encourage you to head out this weekend and see what’s available.”

To find out more on Independents’ Day including how to get involved, visit https://www.independentsdayuk.org/.

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