Winchester BID celebrates Independent Retailer Month
Independent Retailer Month is a global ‘Shop Local’ campaign that runs annually throughout the month of July to celebrate local, independent retailers in their communities. To support this, Winchester Business Improvement District (BID) is recognising the city’s unique selection of independent businesses by promoting Independent Business Month and #IndieWinch businesses across the city of Winchester.
From Wednesday 1 July, the latest FREE #IndieWinch Pocket Map will be available to help raise awareness about ‘shopping local’ and ‘supporting local’ in Winchester. The new maps are available from independent businesses, the Visitor Information Centre, The Arc, Winchester City Museum, and the local accommodation providers. Visitors, residents and businesses are invited to use the free pocket map which showcases more than 200 independent shops, services, restaurants and cafes across the city centre. You can download the map from the NEW independent business directory site indiewinch.co.uk.
To celebrate the month, Winchester BID has created the new directory, a series of short films, and a montage of reels for a social media campaign to showcase what it means to be an independent business and why so many businesses choose to call Winchester home. Keep a lookout on social media for the faces behind your local independent businesses.
Suzy Dierckx, Winchester BID Marketing Manager, said: “July is a great opportunity to celebrate Independent Business Month and recognise the fantastic independent businesses that make Winchester so special. With more than 200 independents across the city, they bring character, creativity and vibrancy to Winchester, helping make it a great place to live, work, study and visit. Every purchase and show of support makes a difference, so thank you for continuing to choose local and support our independent businesses”.
Winchester BID are also proud to support A Taste of Winchester which is now in its third year, running from 22 June to 5 July. A Taste of Winchester offers an exciting opportunity to experience the very best of the city’s local talent as restaurants, cafés, pubs, retailers and producers come together to present a diverse array of events, tastings, special menus, and local and global flavours.
During this foodie fortnight, you can introduce your tastebuds to something new, learn about the provenance of what’s on your plate, see behind the scenes in some of our well-loved bars and restaurants, or even forage for new local flavours for your own cooking. The foodie fortnight culminates in the Long Lazy Lunch, a community based feast created collaboratively by Bar Lento, St James Tavern and Rick Stein. Dining al fresco in The Square, these local businesses can’t wait to serve up a 6 course exquisite menu for up to 250 diners. This event is kindly sponsored by Dutton Gregory.
If you run an independent business in Winchester, and have any special promotions or events planned, then please keep Winchester BID informed by tagging @WinchesterBID and use the #IndieWinch hashtag on your social media posts. Keep up to date with the Independent Business Month activity by following Winchester BID’s social media channels @WinchesterBID on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
Image by Holly Bobbins
