Independents’ Day to be celebrated in Horsham this Thursday July 4 with special offers and discounts

And this Thursday’s paper will feature a full page of special discount vouchers including 2 for 1s, as well as 20% and 10% coupons for around 30 independent businesses in Horsham.

Independents’ Day is a national campaign that Horsham Unlimited, the town centre business partnership has been pleased to adopt and develop for Horsham in 2013.

Working in partnership with Horsham District Council and the West Sussex County Times, town centre stores were given the opportunity to promote an exclusive offer to their customers, old and new, to mark the occasion and celebrate all that is great about their business and the Horsham Experience.

Many have opted to offer discounts for the whole of July creating Independents’ Month throughout July - see next week’s paper for details of many of the special promotions

Thursday July 4 is also Market Day in Carfax where you will find the Best of the Best stalls from the ever popular Local Produce & Craft Market and the General Market.

“We have a wealth of successful and dynamic independent stores in the town centre that give Horsham that special affection in our customers’ hearts and really make the shopping experience in the town unique when compared to neighbouring towns,” said Gill Buchanan, Chairman of Horsham Unlimited.

“Whether they be national brands or local stores there are always changes occurring in all town centres to meet market demands and we are delighted that not only have we maintained many independents for many years, but we have also seen exciting and quality newcomers to Horsham too.

“If County Times readers value local businesses we would like to remind them that you must support them with your custom – use it or lose it may seem harsh, but this is a reality for all stores both large and small. Figures suggest that if every adult in the Horsham district spent £5 with their local shops and businesses instead of online or with the big supermarkets, it would be worth an extra £27.1m to the local economy”.

Helena Croft (Con, Roffey North), Horsham District Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Horsham Town said: “The Council and I fully support the Horsham Unlimited initiative to bring the UK-wide July campaign, in support of independent retail, to Horsham.

“It is the quality, diversity and entrepreneurialism of our high street independent businesses, which continue to make, not just Horsham town centre but all of the market towns in our District such distinctive and valuable shopping destinations for the community.

“Horsham Unlimited and its partners have brought together a great campaign highlighting these businesses and the people behind them and I hope this results in new interest and sales for all involved.”

Jonathan Chowen (con, Cowfold, Shermanbury and West Grinstead), Horsham District Council’s Cabinet Member for Arts, Heritage and Leisure, added: “It is said ‘what goes around comes around’ and this is certainly true if you spend your money with a local independent business.

“Supporting our local businesses is vital because they spend more of their money locally than the nationals. They themselves use more local suppliers, services and many add to local employment. Ultimately, this benefits all of us.

“So, if you care about the continued health of your local high street, I urge everyone to take note of this July campaign and use it as a renewed reason to explore our independent businesses, meet the people that run them and sample the great products and services they offer.”

Gary Shipton, editor-in-chief of the County Times said this paper is proud to support the Horsham’s inaugural Independents Day event.

“Independent retailers do so much to ensure the town remains vibrant and different in these challenging times.

“The West Sussex County Times has supported and worked in partnership with Horsham’s business community for more than 140 years, and is proud to profile independent businesses and publicise their special promotions this July.”

To celebrate the people behind the businesses a number of stores will be featured in West Sussex County Times over the next few weeks to give readers an insight into them and what their business is all about.

Thursday July 4 is also market day in the Carfax and there will be free musical entertainment laid on all day as traders celebrate alongside their town centre colleagues.

Look out for the window stickers and balloons at participating stores. They look forward to welcoming you and thank you in advance for your support.