Sunderland shoppers are being asked to get behind a national campaign which encourages people to spend locally.
Small Business Saturday takes place this week – 4 December – an annual event set up to showcase independent traders and get local people to show them their support.
And now Sunderland BID, which champions the city’s strong independent offer, is hoping people will get behind the event and support small businesses in the city.
Sharon Appleby, Chief Executive of Sunderland BID, said Sunderland has a really vibrant small business sector and that hopefully people would spend locally.
“We are very lucky to have lots of diverse, independent small businesses across the city centre,” she said.
“While we would want people to spend with them all the year round, Small Business Saturday gives us an opportunity to focus on those businesses and acts as a reminder to shop local.
“Independent traders offer shoppers something different but they also make a vital contribution to the local economy so it’s really important we give them our support.”
Many of the city’s small businesses are also signed up to the Sunderland City Gift Card scheme, which can be used in more than 150 different outlets across the city.
“Buying a gift card is also a great way to support businesses and also gives people the opportunity to choose something they’d really like for themselves, while helping local traders at the same time,” said Sharon.
Sunderland gift cards can be bought at www.sunderlandgiftcard.com