Shops set to mark July 4

UNCLE Sam will pay a visit to Bury St Edmunds on July 4 – but as well as marking American Independence he’ll be helping traders in the town celebrate Independents’ Day.

A stilt-walker will be encouraging shoppers to visit smaller businesses in the town and hundreds of goody bags will be given out promoting independent shops.

The nationwide initiative, which encourages shoppers to buy at least one item from a local small business, has been embraced by independent shopkeepers in Bury and is supported by the town centre improvement organisation Bid4Bury.

Chief executive Mark Cordell said: “Within the town centre, more than 60% of the shops are independents.

“We already know the value they add to this town, but this was highlighted recently in some research carried out by Action for Market Towns where many of the people surveyed put great importance on this independent feel.”

A number of independent town centre businesses operate in The Traverse and have been working in difficult circumstances following the fire which destroyed the nearby Cupola House.

Among them is Kate Palliser, the proprietor of independent boutique shoe shop, Scarlet.

She said: “Independents’ Day gives us a chance to fly the flag for the smaller business and let everyone know that it’s business as usual in Bury, despite recent events.

“I think Independents’ Day on 4th July is a great idea but I really hope that people who take the opportunity to visit some of our wonderful independent shops will, of course, become regular customers.

“Bury has such a range of shops that you just don’t find anywhere else so where better to celebrate Independents or indeed Independence Day.”

Independents’ Day is being organised nationally by Skillsmart Retail and the National Skills Academy for Retail.