Independent Retailer Month is a global ‘Shop Local’ campaign that runs annually throughout the month of July to celebrate local, independent retailers in their communities. To support this, Winchester Business Improvement District (BID) recognises the city’s unique selection of independent businesses by promoting Independent Business Month and #IndieWinch businesses across our city of Winchester.
From Wednesady 1 July, the latest FREE #IndieWinch Pocket Map will be available to help raise awareness about ‘shopping local’ and ‘supporting local’ in Winchester. The new maps are available from independent businesses, the Visitor Information Centre, The Arc, Winchester City Museum and the local accomodation providers. Visitors, residents and businesses are invited to use the free pocket map which showcases more than 200 independent shops, services, restaurants and cafes across the city centre. The pocket map conveniently lists all these #IndieWinch businesses and can be used to help navigate around the city.
Download the map from our NEW independent business directory site: www.indiewinch.co.uk Here you can find an up-to-date online directory for all independent food and retail experiences.
Look out for the #IndieWinch window stickers too which help to identify independent businesses from their window frontage and encourage residents and visitors to shop local.
To celebrate the month, Winchester BID has created the new directory, a series of short films and a montage of reels for a social media campaign to showcase what it means to be an independent business and why so many businesses choose to call Winchester home. Keep a lookout on social media for the faces behind your local independent businesses.
Suzy Dierckx, Winchester BID Marketing Manager, said: “July is a great opportunity to celebrate Independent Business Month and recognise the fantastic independent businesses that make Winchester so special. With more than 200 independents across the city, they bring character, creativity and vibrancy to Winchester, helping make it a great place to live, work, study and visit. Every purchase and show of support makes a difference, so thank you for continuing to choose local and support our independent businesses”.
We are also proud to support the return of A Taste of Winchester running from 22 June to 5 July. A Taste of Winchester offers an exciting opportunity to experience the very best of the city and district’s local talent. Restaurants, cafés, pubs, retailers, producers, and makers will come together to present a diverse array of events, tastings, special menus, and local and global flavours.
During this foodie fortnight, you can introduce your tastebuds to something new, learn about the provenance of what’s on your plate, see behind the scenes in some of our well-loved bars and restaurants, or even forage for new local flavours for your own cooking. The foodie fortnight culminates in the “Long Lazy Lunch’, a community based feast created collaboratively by Bar Lento, St James Tavern and Rick Stein. Dining al fresco, in the square, these local businesses can’t wait to serve up a 5 course exquisite menu for up to 250 diners. This event is kindly sponsored by Dutton Gregory solicitors.
“A Taste of Winchester goes from strength to strength,” said Dr Paul Spencer, Executive Director of Winchester BID. “Building on the last two hugely successful years, we’ve seen the event evolve into something really special, and this year is no exception. What excites me most is watching the city’s hospitality community come together: we now have a brilliant steering group of businesses actively shaping and collaborating on the programme, which is a testament to the spirit of Winchester’s food and drink scene. This event exists to champion that community.
If you run an independent business in Winchester, and have any special promotions or events planned, then please keep us informed by tagging @WinchesterBID and use the #IndieWinch hashtag on your social media posts. Keep up to date with the Independent Business Month activity by following Winchester BID’s social media channels @WinchesterBID on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
