Last updated at 11:41, Wednesday, 04 July 2012

SHOPPERS across Furness are being encouraged to support independent retailers as part of a national campaign.

Independents’ Day has been organised to tie in with the USA’s Independence Day, today, and the campaign is being backed by Barrow Borough Council and the Evening Mail.

Market stalls and independent retailers across the borough will display ‘Your high street needs you!’ posters on the day and shoppers are being asked to buy one item from a shop or stall displaying the poster.

Shopping is very much a leisure activity and with a warm welcome from shopkeepers and café owners, there is no better time to come into town shopping.

The town centre streets in Barrow are looking particularly smart with their paving and benches, and the new season’s stock is arriving daily in shops.

As well as the national names such as Debenhams, Marks and Spencer and New Look, there is so much choice from the independent shops.

A walk up Cavendish Street or Scott Street will surprise many shoppers.

The big brands are all in stock whether it be clothes, shoes, a wedding dress or even a new pram.

Specialist shopping in Barrow has never offered such a good choice or local service.

Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays are market days in Barrow Indoor Market.

There are more than 80 stalls offering wonderful Cumbrian food, clothing, shoes, carpets, household goods, haberdashery, mobility equipment, and jewellery.

Many traders have been in the market for a long time and have a fantastic reputation.

The long established businesses are renowned and recommended for their excellent service and choice and friendly welcome.

In addition many new stalls have opened, offering goods from personalised invitations to gadgets and cup cakes.

The market also has computer stalls, DVD stalls and a digital television outlet.

As the largest indoor market in South Cumbria, it is the friendliest “department store” in town with a warm welcome from the independent traders.

The market is proud of the provenance of its local Cumbria produced food.

Stallholders offer specialist advice on cuts of meat and are happy to discuss their products and their ingredients.

Many stallholders have a wealth of experience and have been producing and selling fine, local food for many years.

Cumbrian specialities include Waberthwaite Cumberland sausage and bacon, wild boar and game pies, Westmorland cheeses, Cumbrian lamb, pork and beef, local free range eggs, duck eggs, Cumberland smokies, local burgers and sausages, sticky toffee pudding, ice cream and Kendal mint cake.

And don’t forget, if you want to linger in the town centre there is no need to hurry back to the car.

Extend your car park ticket with RingGo by calling 01229 790012.

Skillsmart Retail and the National Skills Academy for Retail have teamed up with independent retailers and trade associations around the country to encourage the public to celebrate diversity on the high street and support their local, independent retailers.

Jane Rexworthy, head of the National Skills Academy for Retail, said: “We are delighted to lead this campaign to celebrate diversity in retail.

“Independents’ Day aims to highlight the huge range of skills successful independent retailers need to make our towns and cities such interesting and varied places to visit and shop.”

And at Richard Haynes Opticians, Cavendish Street, Barrow, they were also keen to stress the importance of smaller local businesses.

Mr Haynes said: “One advantage of a smaller company is the continuity of service that is offered.

“Our professional staff have more than 45 years of experience of providing eye care in Barrow.”

• Fill out the form below for a chance to win £100 to spend in any independent retailer in Barrow or Dalton town centres as part of the campaign (normal Evening Mail competition rules apply)

First published at 12:59, Tuesday, 28 June 2011
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk