It's Independent's Day - Support Camberley's Independent Retailers!

Today is Independent's Day 2011!  Skillsmart Retail and the National Skills Academy for Retail along with local retailers across the country are celebrating diversity on the high street and encouraging us to buy at least one item from an independent shop today.

The independent retailers are the shops that add character to our High Street and town.  Without them we could be shopping anywhere!

Which are your favourite independent retailers in Camberley?  

Kitchen Kapers - "quite possibly the most splendid independent Cookshop chain in the world".  Kitchen Kapers has five shops in the area and was the shop I first saw the Independent's Day 2011 poster proudly displayed in the window.   I will be going into buy a glass tea pot I saw a week ago.  The staff were friendly and interested and didn't begrudge the fact that I was going to have to defer my purchase until after pay day!

Or MacDonalds Gifts in Princess Way.  MacDonalds has been voted "Winner of The Mall" Best Independent Retailer for 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2010.   Almost everyone of us must have visited MacDonalds at one time or another to get some inspiration for birthday presents etc.   There is always something there that I can buy!

Or The Thread Emporium in Obelisk Way.  The Thread Emporium is one of those shops that makes me wish that I liked needlework and making things. The Thread Emporium also offers a mail order business and a list of local people offering a variety of sewing related services.

Or The Rock Box on London Road.    The Rock Box has been in business since the late 1980's and is a specialist outlet for all things Rock, Metal and Alternative.   They boast an unrivalled selection of imported, rare, second hand, current and back catalogue releases available in all formats.

Or HM Supplies also on the London Road.  HM Supplies has been the shop I have gone to when I have needed equipment for school trips to the Lake District and numerous scout camping trips.  It is described as "the foremost and largest independent in-house manufacture and retail distributor of military survival clothing and equipment."

Or Brackendale Arts tucked away in Sparvell Way.  Brackendale Arts has everything that an artist would need.  It is a shop I have visited  many time in the past for face paints,  paints, papers and pipe cleaners!

These are only a few, but they are all like Aladdin's Cave – lots to see and always something you could buy.   Tell us about your favourite independent shop!  Rate them here on Camberley People and spread the word about how good they are.

Anne Seaman, Chief Executive of Skillsmart Retail said: "We are delighted to lead this campaign and support small retailers. Raising awareness amongst the public is one of the biggest challenges smaller retailers face and our message is about encouraging the public to use their local high street and understand how important a diverse retail sector is.