Village signs up to support independent retail

Some of Norden’s many independent retailers along with NEEVA Chairman, Peter Winkler and Norden Ward Councillor, Ann Metcalfe

Businesses in Norden have come together this week to prepare for the start of ‘Independent Retail Month’. The scheme, which promotes and supports independently run retail businesses across the country, is asking people to think about the shops that they have on their doorstep and support local independent shops and local businesses.

Norden, which already has a strong and active business group in NEEVA (the Norden Environmental & Economic Village Association), has been encouraging its members to get involved after newly appointed Secretary, Jenna Hallworth, found out about the scheme.

Jenna, who together with her mother, Anne Tattersall, runs Children’s shoes and clothing shop, TipToes said: “As an independent retailer myself I thought that the scheme was a really good idea and it was something that all the other businesses in the village should be involved in. There has been a massive uptake with our members. Norden is a small community and we need to all work together to maintain our individual successes.”

NEEVA have had support from local councillors and community groups who are also hoping that the activity will help to maintain the vibrancy of the village. They are now calling on other independent retailers across Rochdale to get involved. Chairman, Peter Winkler said: “This is a great opportunity for independent retailers in Norden, and indeed all over Rochdale, to link up and work together to improve trade. We have so many small businesses that offer such a diversity of products and the personal customer service that you often don’t get in larger chains.

“Improving trade is not just about a new design for the town centre, or having another retail park with the same large stores that you get everywhere else. We must encourage and support independent business, they are the life-blood of the community, create employment for local people and make our high streets unique so that people from outside the area have a reason to come and shop here over other areas.”