A SELECTION of Carlisle's independent business are backing the 'Colour Friday' initiative ahead of the spending season.
'Colour Friday' is an campaign launched by Holly & Co in an attempt to 'kickstart a retail revolution'.
The aim of the campaign is to encourage customers to stray away from mass consumption on days like Black Friday and instead focus on the colour and creativity of small businesses.
The campaign will take place on Friday, November 25 and will look to boost traffic in local, independent businesses.
Carlisle City Centre has a number of small, independent businesses that have given their backing to the scheme.
Castle Chocolates is located in Carlyle's Court and sells home-made chocolates. Owner, Keith Tattersall explained why he believes that people should shop local.
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He said: "Aside from the fact that the money stays in the city and the county, the service we provide is more personal.
"It's very important, if we lose local businesses we lose the town centre"
Mr Tattersall also recognised that ongoing cost-of-living crisis has made people more money-senistive when shopping, but assured that he store is doing everything it can to provide its customers with the best prices.
He said: "I would encourage everyone to go to their local retailer.
"We are trying to swallow the price rises as we know the situation for people are in trying to save their pennies."
Anazao Tearoom by Katie, Cecil Street is another local business that is backing the campaign with owners, mother and daugther duo Elaine and Katie Goodchild explaining why they believe supporting independent businesses is vital.
They said: "To us supporting a small business is as important as helping a local person achieve their dreams.
"Often with smaller businesses it's a more personal touch, we massively treasure all customers and recognise our regular customers who come back to support us - without them we would not survive.
"When you shop small, products, or in our case cakes, are made in smallers batches, meaning true time and effort are put into making a quality piece.". They conitnued.
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