from John Schofield, group managing director, Nisa-Today’s

Sir; I would like to echo Steve Parfett’s sentiments in his letter about National Independents’ Day (The Grocer, June 5, p28).
The first ever celebration of the role of the local shop was a resounding success.
But we weren’t only successful in terms of media coverage, or indeed in terms of footfall. We were also hugely successful in creating a real ‘buzz’ about independent retail - not just within the industry but among the public.
Many of our members have told us their customers have been talking about National Independents’ Day and the My Shop is Your Shop Campaign and saying what a good idea it is. This is incredibly pleasing, given it is very early days in the campaign.
We have just touched the tip of the iceberg.
The My Shop is Your Shop campaign is about raising awareness of how hard-working, and committed retailers touch the lives of the communities around them.
The personal interaction a retailer has with his customers is his greatest point of difference
against the multiples, which simply cannot offer this level of personal service. National Independents’ Day is only the starting point for this campaign, which is set to become one of the most successful, consolidated campaigns in the independent retail sector.
We are excited about its future and the positive effect it will have on our members, and the independent retail sector as a whole.
We would urge as many retailers and people within the trade as possible, to continue their support of this campaign in the years to come.