Member Article

Small Business Saturday comes to Darlington

Shoppers in Darlington are being urged to take part in a pioneering initiative designed to give small businesses a pre-Christmas boost.

Distinct Darlington – formed to encourage and promote trade in the town centre – is calling on residents and visitors to show their support for independent retailers in a day-long scheme taking place on Saturday 7 December.

Small Business Saturday is a Government initiative, which aims to increase footfall and raise awareness of a whole range of small businesses, from retailers to not-for- profit charities and organisations.

“Darlington has a wealth of small, independently-owned businesses and we hope that Small Business Saturday will shine a spotlight on them,” said Alex Hirst, manager at Distinct Darlington.

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our town, our community and our economy and we hope everyone will really get behind the scheme and give them the support they deserve.”

Not only will shoppers be able to enjoy free parking thanks to the “free after 3” scheme backed by Distinct Darlington, but Small Business Saturday has been timed to coincide with the launch of the town’s festive ice rink and the council’s Christingle market will also run over this weekend.

A series of television adverts will also be screened in the week leading up to Small Business Saturday, to promote the event and to highlight activities taking place in the town centre over the festive season.

Small Business Saturday – an American concept which last year helped drive sales of $5.5bn (£3.5bn) in small independent shops across the US and led to an increase in longer-term custom - is the latest in a long line of initiatives being developed by Distinct Darlington, a Business Improvement District.

“We really hope that Small Business Saturday, combined with free parking and a pro-active media campaign, will not only encourage local people to shop in the town but also attract shoppers from further afield,” said Alex.

The “free after 3” parking scheme will run from Monday to Saturday from the first week in December right up until Christmas Eve and will operate in all council car parks including on-street at Duke Street and Grange Road.

The Cornmill centre will also offer free parking after 3pm Monday to Saturday (with free parking as normal on a Sunday) throughout the whole of December.

In addition, Darlington Ice Rink at the Market Square will be bigger than ever with prices frozen for the second year running.

Tickets cost £5 for adults and £4 for children aged under12 with free skate hire and a mug of hot chocolate for a further £1 per ticket.

For further information, visit www.distinctdarlington.co.uk.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sorted PR .