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The Save the Street campaign, supported by the British Fashion Council and retail expert Mary Portas, is calling for the government to adopt an incentive scheme similar to its ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ initiative last summer.
Founded by Ross Bailey, CEO and founder of Appear Here, the campaign represents 114,000 independent community retailers across the country, and is backed by leading figures in retail and fashion.
According to the group, the ‘Shop Out to Help Out’ scheme would see the government cover 50% of the costs of goods at independent retailers, capped at £10.
In an open letter to the government, the campaign said: “The retail sector represents 20% of the UK’s GDP and it’s our independent retailers who will play a vital role in the economic recovery of local neighbourhoods.
“For every £1 spent with local independents an additional 63p of benefit is created for the local economy, compared to just 40p generated by larger national retailers. But as it stands, 1 in 3 British brands are predicted to disappear this year.”
It added: “Immediate action is needed, or we face a future with hollowed-out streets and no places left for communities to come together. We need new support measures in place for independent retailers after one of their toughest years.
“Having successfully campaigned for the extension of business rates relief in the last Budget, we’re now asking the government to put in place an ‘Eat Out To Help Out’ style incentive for independent retailers.”
