Skillsmart Retail has declared the first Independents' Day a huge success.

The day, on 4 July, was aimed at boosting the fortunes of local independents and saw scores of indies across the UK displaying posters to encourage shoppers to support their cause. "We were really pleased with the response seeing as it was the first time we had done it," said Anne Seaman, CEO of Skillsmart Retail, who co-ran the event with the National Skills Academy for Retail. "If it drew attention to the right areas and got the right sort of publicity then absolutely we will be running it next year. But we will be drawing more attention to the day earlier, so we can generate more of a build-up and get more people behind it."

The British Retail Consortium also backed the campaign. "Indies are a vital part of UK retailing," said director general Stephen Robertson.