Independent businesses in Andover Town centre are together celebrating the ‘Independents Day’ this month as part of a national campaign.

'Independents' Day is the national campaign to celebrate and promote the UK's independent retailers on July 4. This year it is celebrated for the whole weekend, and the businesses in Andover have decided to stretch it out over the entire month.

InAndover from the Andover BID will be promoting local businesses throughout July to ensure these places get the recognition they deserve.

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The campaign will be launched in the Andover High Street on Monday, July 4. There will be a gazebo in the Time Ring and there will be an interactive treasure hunt live on InAndover’s Facebook Page @inandoveruk.

They will be giving away free tote bags and some 'Andover Pounds' to lucky people to spend in some of the local independent businesses in the town centre.

An InAndover spokesperson said: “To celebrate their importance, we’re making sure everyone knows about them.

“Over recent years, there has been much discussion in the media that towns like Andover have struggled. We know that Andover has gone full circle from a local Market Town where large chain shops have come and gone due to online shopping. But now, Andover is in a unique position because of the number of independent businesses in our Town Centre with local people at their heart.

“Our local businesses stayed open and served us throughout the Covid pandemic, providing excellent customer service. There has been a huge amount of pride in our town, and the resurgence of a 'Shop Local' ethic has boosted our town again. New businesses are attracted to this town, and five new businesses have opened in just the last month.”

InAndover also urged residents to support local independents from this weekend by pledging to visit one or two independent retailers you've never seen before.

“Over 150 independent businesses in our Town Centre provide almost everything you could want or need,” the spokesperson said.

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“We will be distributing some carefully designed and stylish tote bags this week around the businesses, ready for them to give out to key customers. They have been created just for our town and will serve as a reminder to 'Shop Local' in our Town Centre as often as possible, to support our local economy. It is known that money spent locally goes back into the local economy.”

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