Exeter welcomes new indie businesses as city launches independents campaign

InExeter the city’s business improvement district, has reported that new independent businesses continue to open in the city centre, affirming Exeter as a destination for independent shopping. 

Since October 2017, Exeter has welcomed businesses including, Red Panda, Frocks in Swing Time, Busby & Fox, The Roots Foundation and Hutch. 

This follows the new UK Powerhouse report into The Consumer Economy 2018/2019 which predicts Exeter will top the UK city for spending in restaurants and shops in 2018.

In celebration of Exeter’s flourishing independent scene, InExeter is launching a ‘City of Independents’ campaign this summer.  

Members of the public will be asked to champion their favourite independent businesses by taking a photo and sharing on social media using the #exeterindies hashtag – all entries will be in with a chance of winning £100 to spend in the city’s independent businesses.

Ann Hunter, InExeter manager said; “Exeter is predicted to be the UK’s top performing city for spending in shops and restaurants in 2018 and our vibrant independent businesses are an important part in driving this.

"We are really proud of Exeter’s independent offering which has been going from strength to strength in the past few years. These businesses are a credit to the city and supporting them is key to InExeter’s campaign.”

InExeter has also set up a city-wide independent business group, where business owners come together to support independent business in Exeter, £30,000 will be invested into the group this financial year to support events, marketing and an independent gift card will be launched that can be used throughout the city in Exeter’s independent shops, cafes, restaurants and beauticians. The group is also funding a publication, due out this summer showcasing Exeter’s independent businesses.

Each area of the business improvement district has also been allocated a budget of £2,000 to support improvements and initiatives in that area.
 
For a full list of Exeter’s independents and more information about the campaign, visit www.inexeter.com/indieExeter