Fashion / independent
Support local independents this Christmas
The #actlocalxmas social media campaign was launched by Indies in Bristol, a social media platform that promotes and supports Bristol’s independent creative scenes, to encourage consumers to buy local this Christmas.
Founded by Ursula Hutchinson of Bristol-based creative communications agency Konichiwa, Indies in Bristol support Bristol’s diverse and vibrant independent businesses with an aim to help them thrive in the city, encouraging them to stand for what they believe in and to not beaten by the corporates.
“We launched the #actlocalbristol campaign in 2015 with the aim to illustrate and uncover the passion and dedication behind local businesses,” explains Ursula. “The original campaign was shared in the form of a documentary which highlighted the difference it makes by supporting small businesses, in turn creating awareness and encouraging people to ‘actlocal’. This campaign now runs permanently through the instagram platform Indies in Bristol”.
is needed now More than ever
Many people from local businesses including Beth Izzard from The DIY Supermarket, Joh Rindom from That Thing and Blue O’ Connor of Kings Grooming are sharing the love and supporting independent businesses all over the city.
“This year as Christmas approaches, we want to spread this idea far and wide by getting local businesses involved and giving them a voice. We will do this by sharing their quotes with our Christmas hashtag #actlocalxmas on how it makes a difference when supporting them,” says Ursula.
Indies in Bristol have created an amazing campaign, using bold graphics, for their social media Christmas cards, that have been lovingly designed by local creative Sophie Filomena, who is also running the #actlocalxmas campaign this year. Each Christmas card includes a positive quote, that supports independents and the #actlocalxmas hashtag.
“I started as a freelance illustrator and designer for Konichiwa alongside running my indie business as an artist and jewellery designer,” says Sophie. “We wanted to create imagery that celebrates the Bristol spirit, getting across a sense of unity and festivity highlighting what the city does best.
“As a designer emerging into the fashion scene, the #actlocalxmas campaign reassures me, as an indie maker, that I have support from the community, and that the general public are interested in purchasing my wares.
“People are becoming aware of how much it means to indies and how it benefits the local economy. The campaign has boosted my online presence and has contributed towards my business. This means I can keep on creating new designs and steadily grow as a self sustainable business woman within the creative scene.”
“You can get involved with the #actlocalxmas campaign if you are an indie, buying indie gifts or just a Bristolian indie supporter.” says Ursula. “If you are buying local, tag in your indie haul or gifts this Christmas and show your support.”
Find out where your local independent Christmas markets are happening and pop in to your local independent shops and businesses too. Consider an alternative to soullessly buying all your gifts on Amazon and find unique Christmas gifts that are not mass produced and are certainly not available on the high street.
Join the #actlocalxmas campaign and request a media pack, and find out more about Indies in Bristol
Read our fashion editor Emma’s blog No Debutante
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