For over 20 years Independent Oxford has been championing local businesses and extolling the virtues of buying from independent brands, and this year, they're going even further, with the inaugural Indie Oxford Day. Taking place on Saturday 21st March, Oxford indie shops, cafes and restaurants will be holding promotions and events to encourage customers to seek their goods closer to home; we catch up with Independent Oxford to find out more.
Daily Information: Before we talk about Indie Oxford Day, could you tell any newcomers the story behind Independent Oxford?
Independent Oxford: Independent Oxford was set up in 2005 as a network for businesses that wasn’t focused on generating leads and swapping business cards. It was (and is) all about finding peer support and collaboration, and creating a collective voice for the indie community to promote the benefits of buying local. Since then it’s grown to become a community of around 170 businesses, with an aim of supporting and promoting indies in Oxfordshire.
DI: Why choose independent shops over larger chains?
IO: The more people we can encourage to buy indie and local, rather than from big chains, and see the value (and joy!) in supporting and exploring local, the better that is for all indies and our local economy, which benefits everyone. Your money stays local, supporting livelihoods, creating jobs and investing directly in the community. Independent businesses are the heart of communities. They make places cool, interesting and diverse and are often doing really important work for both the local economy and the community where they are.They offer personal service, unique products and experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
DI: Tell us about the thinking behind Indie Oxford Day.
IO: We wanted to do something to encourage people to shop, support and celebrate indies in Oxfordshire, and came up with the idea of an annual day, not unlike Small Business Saturday, to specifically support indies in the county. Indie Oxford Day is a campaign we are running at Indie Oxford, but it’s also a way for everyone to get involved - indies across Oxfordshire are putting on their own events and special offers, and anyone can support the day.
DI: How can Oxford residents participate?
IO:
DI: How will the Independent Oxford team be spending the day? Any indie favourites you’re planning to pay a visit?
IO: We will be starting the day at the Indie Oxford Day basecamp event at Common Ground from 10am - 12 noon - come and see us! We’ve got lots of other indies coming down and it’s a great chance to discover some amazing indie businesses and celebrate the day. After that, we’ll be heading to some of the other great events that indies are putting on across the country. I’m seeing it as a great excuse for indie breakfast, lunch and dinner too!
DI: This is Independent Oxford’s first ever Indie Oxford Day - can we expect this to become a regular feature in our events calendar?
IO: We hope so! This is the first time we have put on the event but the feedback so far has been really positive. Hopefully we’ll be back next year with an even bigger and better Indie Oxford Day.
DI: How can people continue to support Oxford independent businesses in the long term?
IO: You can shop, support and celebrate indies any day of the year. Spend your money at locally run businesses. Get out and about and go to indie run events, shops, cafes and restaurants. Aside from that, sharing recommendations, and leaving indies you love a google review can be a really good way to help other people find them.
DI: Where can people find out more about the day and Independent Oxford’s other projects?
IO: We’re sharing info about what's on the Indie Oxford website, social media and newsletter.
DI: Describe Indie Oxford Day in 5 words.
IO: Fun, collaborative, local, community, celebration.