Independent and Irreplaceable: Building Shops People Want to Support
01 Feb 2026
The Merchant’s Corner | Hall 3
Commerce & Community
With 85% of UK consumers saying they want more independent businesses on their high streets — and most spending still happening in physical stores — independents have a powerful advantage. This session explores how local retailers are sourcing closer to home, building identities that feel authentic and creating relationships that online competitors simply can’t match. Walk away with practical, people-first ways to turn your shop into a place customers genuinely want to support.
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