Shoppers are being urged to support local businesses as part of Independents' Day, which takes place next week.

St Albans Business Improvement District (BID) has called for residents to make 'an extra effort' to shop local on July 6 and 7.

Independents' Day is a year-round campaign dedicated to supporting and promoting independent retail businesses throughout the UK. 

Each year it culminates with a focused day/weekend where shoppers are asked to shop locally at the shops which are vital to communities.

A number of St Albans business owners have joined the campaign to encourage customers to shop with them next weekend.

Independent shops often struggle against traditional high street giants, with Emma Bustamante, owner of Cositas on Hollywell Hill saying: "The high street is a tough place to be at the moment and Independents’ Day is a great reminder to celebrate, appreciate and buy from your favourite indies who help to make our city so great."

This sentiment is echoed by Eddie James, assistant manager of Empire Records in Heritage Close, who said: “Independent businesses are important in St Albans, or any town or city, as they help it to maintain its own identity and character. "

Eddie JamesEddie James (Image: St Albans BID)

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The community aspect enables these shops to help the area in ways that other, larger shops perhaps can't.

Tere Harrington, retail director of Raindrops on Roses on the High Street, said: “One of the biggest advantages of being an independent retailer is that we can sell and promote the products some of the amazing local artists and craftspeople design and create, from candles and toiletries to original paintings and jewellery."

“The recent economic turmoil has had an immense impact on small businesses," added St Albans BID manager Vivien Cannon. 

"Independents are essential to our city centre, as well as offering individuality and a personal service, they create jobs and support the local economy. We encourage shoppers to head out and support our independents not just for July but all year round.”