It is Small Business Saturday today, the annual campaign calling on the public to support their local independent traders.
Northampton Borough Council Cllr Mary Markham and her cabinet colleagues will be visiting independent traders across the town.
The campaign is a way of raising awareness of the contribution independent businesses make to the economy and encouraging people to shop locally.
The Mall shopping centre in Luton includes over 40 independent businesses including 10 Minute Manicure, Delphine Alexander, Jean City, Mall Nursery & Crèche, The Baby Shop and Vibe.
Many of these retailers will celebrate Small Business Saturday with an Alice in Wonderland Mad Hatters Tea Party theme, with appearances from Alice and Tweedle-Dee in the centre at 1pm and 3pm.
Today (December 5) is expected to be one of the busiest trading days of the year and Christmas shoppers are being asked to make sure they visit their local high streets on that day and throughout the coming year.
Northampton Borough Council is offering free parking all day today and every Saturday in the run-up to Christmas in all council car parks.
Cllr Markham said: “Small businesses are really important in our towns and cities and are vital to the success of the economy.
“There are many small businesses in Northampton which are thriving and provide visitors with a unique customer experience. Small businesses meet local needs and are well placed to build personal relationships with customers.”
The Mall general manager Roy Greening added: “Independent companies in Luton are a valued and important part of our community. Supporting a local business means supporting local employment and maintaining the services they offer in Luton. Money spent with a local business is also usually returned to the local community. We are looking forward to a great day on the 5th December.”
Small businesses can post their ideas and plans on the Small Business Saturday page on Facebook or follow the national Twitter campaign @SmallBizSatUK
For more details on Small Business Saturday, visit www.smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com
