smallbusiness.co.uk: Helping your business think big

The Forum of Private Business (FPB) is calling on shoppers to support their local independent retailers in the final run up to Christmas. It has been widely reported that retailers are expecting a tough festive period, with Lloyds TSB’s Chief economist Trevor Williams stating that interest rate rises have ‘dampened consumer optimism’.

The FPB fears it will be smaller businesses that will be hit hardest by this downturn in consumer spending. Chief executive Nick Goulding says they face unfair competition from all sides: ‘Larger retailers such as the supermarkets enjoy many benefits as a result of their scale and purchasing power.’

The FPB is calling on shoppers to take advantage of the quality of service from their local shops, find some Christmas bargains and support their local business community. Mr Goulding said many small retailers depend on good Christmas trade: ‘A busy build-up to the festive period can make the difference between a good year and a bad year for smaller retailers. It is vital for the sake of our high streets and local economies that shoppers stay local this Christmas.’

He went on to highlight a number of benefits for the consumer of shopping locally: ‘Small independents provide a quality of service that their larger counterparts can’t match. The reality is that there are some very competitive prices out there for the consumer, and they shouldn’t believe everything that the larger retailers’ marketing tells them.'

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