94% of greeting cards are bought in a bricks and mortar store so it is important that the GCA raises the profile of cards with those working to support retailers and High St communities. The GCA recently attended a meeting of the Independent Retailers Confederation. The IRC brings together a number of trade associations with interests in the small and independent retail sector and represents over 100,000 UK independent retailers. As part of its High St regeneration project the IRC is currently looking to identify ‘beacon towns’ where there are strong local communities who are working to support local businesses. If you or your customers are part of such a community and want to get involved please let me know and I’ll put you in touch. amanda@gca.cards
Background: The IRC is creating a growing retail network committed to the development and sharing of best practice among associations and their members engaged in the independent retail sector.
The IRC also works with the All Party Parliamentary Small Shops Group (APPSSG), chaired by Ruth George MP. This government organisation is focused on supporting the development of the independent retail sector in the UK and was set up by a cross party group of MPs to raise awareness among Parliamentarians of a broad range of issues of concern to small shopkeepers including business rates, retail crime, planning reform and changes to the high street.
The APPSSG provides opportunities for members of Parliament to register their interest in small shop issues and learn more about the work that small shops do and the policy challenges that they face.
IRC Initiatives include the Best Small Shops competition, where finalists are announced at the House of Commons in the autumn, and Independents Day on 4th July.
