Parfetts has always recognised the important role it plays in promoting the value of the independent retailer within the local community and was the most active wholesaler in the country in backing the national My Shop Is You Shop campaign leading up to National Independents’ Day on 1st June 2004. Parfetts will continue to be a major supporter within the industry of this initiative and the fight to level the playing field on behalf of the independent sector.

Some of Parfetts’ retailers were placed in the spotlight to highlight the good work that local independent retailers do within their community. Lorraine Mottershead of Lorraine and Alan’s Grocers and Off Licence in Offerton, Stockport was already a local star but thanks to the My Shop Is your Shop campaign her hard work was shared on national TV. Click here for more details.

Local Retailer in live TV broadcast for National Independents’ Day

Local Offerton shop owner, Lorraine Mottershead has been featured on the BBC programme Working Lunch to raise awareness of the contribution independent retailers like herself make to their communities.

The BBC crew descended on Lorraine & Alan’s Grocers & Off Licence in Offerton, Stockport on 1st June to mark the first ever National Independents’ Day and the launch of the ‘My Shop Is Your Shop’ national campaign. Initiated by the Federation of Wholesale Distributors and supported by the major wholesalers in the UK, the aim of the campaign is to recognise local independent retailers and the irreplaceable role they play within their neighbourhoods.

During the half-hour programme, which was broadcast live on 1st June, Lorraine was featured doing a typical morning’s work with the camera crew accompanying her on a delivery round to the elderly in the area who can’t get out to do their shopping.

The BBC team chose Lorraine’s shop as it is representative of many retailers in the independent sector. Lorraine and her staff, like other retailers, often work 16-hour shifts, the shop is open seven days-a-week and, on top of all this, they are able to put something back into the community by being on hand to help out the local residents when needed. As well as making home deliveries, Lorraine also offers to do odd jobs around the house for her customers; anything from changing a light bulb and doing the ironing to dropping someone off at the doctors.

Steve Parfett, Managing Director of Parfetts Cash & Carry where Lorraine is a customer, was also featured on the Working Lunch broadcast promoting the campaign. He said: “It’s encouraging to see that this campaign is being promoted on a national scale, and that programmes like Working Lunch are showcasing the valuable service that Lorraine and other independent retailers like her provide for their customers.

“National Independents’ Day on 1st June was the official launch of the ‘My Shop Is Your Shop’ campaign enabling these ‘feel good’ stories to reach a wider audience. Lorraine was not alone in celebrating this occasion, as across the country retailers marked the day with in-store promotions and events. I have no doubt that National Independents’ Day should and will become an annual event to celebrate true community retailing.”

Retailers in the Spotlight