Many independents feel overwhelmed by the Black Friday big brand consumer fest, so Just a Card is warmly inviting everyone to celebrate Independents and shop small during Indie Week – November 25 – 29 to support independent shops, artists, makers & small businesses
The grassroots Just a Card campaign, founded in 2015 in response to dwindling sales in independent shops and design shows, goes from strength to strength. Over 10,000 independents now display the distinctive SUPPORT INDEPENDENT SHOPS stickers, thousands more are also part of Just a Card‘s vibrant online creative community.
To build on this, and to encourage people to shop small in the run up to the festive season, Just a Card is inviting those passionate about independents to participate in Just a Card – Indie Week. Everyone is welcome – designers, makers, shops, the buying public, influencers, press, exhibition organisers, small businesses in the UK and abroad too. Just a Card is asking people to take part, both on and offline, to celebrate their own businesses, as well as those they value, to showcase their communities and tell personal stories.
The fun will also include the ever popular Just a Card – Indie Week. five-day Instagram challenge.
Just a Card founder, Sarah Hamilton said: “Our campaign is changing the way people shop! From bookshops to bakeries, artists, makers and designers, independents bring us something special. Their friendly service, expert advice and unique treasures keep our towns and High Streets vibrant. Built with passion and determination, small businesses create opportunities and inspire communities. Their success is our success. Just a card, just a book, just a gift – to small businesses, artists, designers and independent shops all sales are vital and hugely appreciated. They are the difference between flourishing neighbourhoods and boarded-up shops. No matter how small, make your purchase count. Just a card, just a book, just a gift is all it takes.”
The campaign began when Artist and Designer Sarah Hamilton read a quote by gallery owners whose business had been forced to close:
“If everyone who’d complimented our beautiful gallery had bought ‘just a card’ we’d still be open.”
It was a call to action. Every sale however small, even just a card, is the difference between a vibrant creative community or boarded up businesses. The message has struck a chord – with the campaign winning the publicly voted for Aviva Community Award in just one day of voting (voting is open for a month!). Such was the overwhelming success of Just a Card – Indie Week. last year that the campaign was even featured on BBC News!
The campaign is run by a small passionate team – all our volunteers are artists, makers or creative business owners.
website: www.justacard.org
Instagram – @justacard
Twitter – @justacard1
