All on board for Independents’ Day

An annual initiative to boost spend at locally-owned stores received an extra push on June 14 from a number of key MLAs.

The Minister for Infrastructure Chris Hazard launched the 2016 Independents’ Day campaign at a packed reception in Stormont’s Long Gallery, organised by the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association (NIIRTA).

Over 170 NIIRTA members, Chambers of Commerce representatives, MLAs, and key stakeholders attended the launch, which was hosted by UTV’s Naomi McMullan.

The campaign urges consumers to support local firms by shopping in independently-owned stores on the 4th of July.

In support of the scheme, NIIRTA revealed Translink will provide shoppers with a £2 return ticket after 9.30am for all Ulsterbus town services and Metro in Belfast on the day.

Praising the initiative, Minister Hazzard said: “Local bus and train services make it easy for people to access town and city centres. I am delighted Translink has agreed to put together a package of discounts for Ulsterbus town services and Metro services on 4 July to support this initiative.

“There is strong independent evidence around the positive economic impact of public transport on the retail and hospitality sectors and in the appeal of an area for local shoppers and tourists.”

Minister of finance Máirtín Ó Muilleoir added that NI has a “vibrant and dynamic independent retail sector” and praised the “can-do attitude” of local traders.

“I would encourage everyone to support their local businesses on Independents’ day and celebrate the contribution they make to our communities, as well as the wider economy,” he said.

NIIRTA chief executive Glyn Roberts said Independents’ Day 2016 would be bigger and better than ever before.

“We are delighted that Translink will be offering a fantastic deal to shoppers,” he said. “Shoppers have a real opportunity to do their bit and support their local shops on 4th July and throughout the summer. Independent retailers offer quality, choice and something different to the multiple retailers.”

The event was sponsored by Bank of Ireland, and its regional director Sean Sheehan spoke of the “enormous contribution” independent retailers make to the local economy.

“It also serves as a timely reminder to local shoppers to ‘shop local’, to enjoy our high streets and to support the local traders in our communities,” he said.