Retailers are getting behind Belfast City Council’s efforts to boost trade and improve service in the independent retail sector with more than 160 signing up for the first ever Belfast Independent Retail Week (March 5-11).
While celebrating the range and quality of the independent traders in Belfast, the event also aims to raise their profile by highlighting quality neighbourhood shopping across the city.
A series of workshops are also taking place in the run up to BIRW to enhance key skills within the independent retail sector. This includes customer care, creating fabulous displays and loyalty schemes, why retailers should be trading online and using social media to drive custom.
Students from Belfast Met will also be helping shops create displays and these will then be judged during the week.
Alderman Christopher Stalford, chairman of Belfast City Council’s Development Committee, said: “This is a tough economic climate for everyone but independent retailers in particular need a boost because they don’t have the resources that larger chains can call on.
“Many are one person or family businesses which employ small numbers but small businesses are the backbone of our economy, they are what differentiate one city from another and they are a vital service in local communities.
“We want to help them promote their service and encourage customers to recognise the importance of supporting independent retailers. It is satisfying that so many local retailers are signing up to participate in this initiative which covers not just the city centre but those neighbourhood areas in all quarters of the city.”
The week kicks off with a flagship catwalk show to promote independent fashion designers, retailers and jewellery makers; while a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party will wrap up events.Tickets for both events are free and available from Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau.
More information on BIRW is available on www.belfastcity.gov.uk/retail