While the research, carried out by Perceptive Insight in May 2018, revealed 59% of consumers surveyed used their local stores for a basket food top-up shop up to three times a week, it also showed that 71% spent between £20 and £500 on a single visit to local, independently owned stores.
The report also revealed the biggest deciding factor for visiting an independent store was to
support local businesses (62%) as well as better customer service (32%) and the convenience of local shops (36%).
Glyn Roberts, CEO of Retail NI said of the report; “Locality is central to our shopping habits throughout Northern Ireland. Whether this is a preference for locally sourced fresh food or supporting local stores to ensure their money stays in our economy, keeping things local is clearly important to the consumer, as our new research shows.
“At Retail NI, we work with thousands of members from local shopping towns throughout Northern Ireland to ensure great relationships between stores and their local Councils and Chambers, making our vibrant town centres desirable shopping destinations.
“Independents’ Day is a unique chance for us to highlight that work and the great calibre of food, fashion, convenience, gift and niche stores throughout Northern Ireland.”
Retail NI’s Independents’ Day campaign will focus on the consumer experience for 2018 through several partnerships, notably that of Q Radio.
Throughout Wednesday 04 July, Glyn Roberts will join Steve Turnbull and Eoghan Quigg to fly the length and breadth of Northern Ireland on the Retail NI helicopter, visiting market towns and local high streets from Ballyhackamore in East Belfast, to Omagh, Newry, Banbridge and Portadown.
Glyn continued; “This is a fantastic opportunity for consumers to hear all about their town centres, and those worth making the effort to travel to throughout the week, and to be encouraged to shop locally all year round.”
Mr Roberts also encouraged Retail NI members and all independent stores throughout Northern Ireland to make the most of this initiative and create reasons for shoppers to visit them. He said on the night; “I urge our members here tonight to get involved in this year’s campaign. There is much footfall and business to be won when you wow the public and show them why a trip to your store is a wonderful experience.”
Other partners include Heathrow Airport as well as Translink, who will be running attractive bus and rail services throughout the summer to ensure shopping at local town centres is even easier.
Translink Group Chief Executive Chris Conway said: “We’re encouraging shoppers to use public transport on Independents’ Day and enjoy a range of summer discount bus and train tickets for great value and convenient journeys right across Northern Ireland. Local independent retailers play a vital role in the community and in supporting our economy so we’re encouraging our passengers to buy local and enjoy that more ‘personal touch’ during their shopping experience.”
To find out more about Retail NI’s Independents’ Day campaign for 2018, visit the dedicated webpage www.retailni.com/independents-day or via Retail NI’s social platforms on Facebook and Twitter, and by following #IndieDayNI2018 on social media.
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Cllr Deirdre Hargey helps Retail NI launch this year’s Independents' Day campaign which encourages shoppers to support local retailers on 04 July. Also pictured is Chris Conway from campaign partner Translink (left) and Glyn Roberts, CEO of Retail NI (right).
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