05 Dec 2025
In the wake of a Budget which did nothing to ease the strain on local businesses, independent retailers have issued an SOS calling for customers’ support all-year round and not just for Christmas.
#SupportOurShops is being led by Nadya Giffen, who runs Nadya Giffen Therapies at The Quadrant in Marshalswick, with the aim of gently reminding shoppers that retailers need their support beyond the festive period.
It comes just before Small Business Saturday, the nationwide initiative spotlighting the small businesses that make a big difference to our communities and economy.
Nadya said: “This Government does not listen and I am not prepared to watch our high street and fellow businesses struggle without doing something.
“Independent shops give our city its charm. Choosing to shop locally means you are supporting your local economy, supporting your community and keeping the charm our city has alive.
“Our SOS campaign is about asking our community to support local businesses by thinking twice about buying online and giving local businesses a boost not just for Christmas!
“Come and visit us at The Quadrant, the parking is free for three hours! Plenty of time to buy a few lovely Christmas gifts, have a coffee and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.
Jez Levy of EYES on St Albans said: “I have been banging the independent retail drum for many, many years now! The demise of our small independent retail and hospitality business is so disheartening and so very sad and disappointing for our local communities.”
Sally Jimminson from Mosaic Hair said: “When you shop locally with us at The Quadrant you’re investing in people, our passions and personal skills, which in turn makes where you live unique.
“The Quadrant is a real community which brings people together, whether shopping and seeing familiar faces, arranging a coffee with a friend, having a hair appointment or indulging in a massage there is so much on offer.
“We are all so fortunate to have such an amazing selection of shops so close to home, but please don’t take this for granted as we can only be here for you and do what we love if you come and shop with us!”
Paul Murray from Phoenix Barbers said: “As a local business owner, being asked to comment on the Support Our Shops campaign has landed at the same time another much-loved St Albans shop, Cositas, has closed. It opened around the same time I started my business, during a period when lots of new, vibrant independents were popping up. In the last few months, I’ve watched many of them shut their doors — a stark reminder of how tough it is to survive in the current climate.
“The reasons are obvious: Amazon, supermarkets expanding into everything, and a gloomy economy. But I also had to look at myself. While writing this, I checked my Amazon account: 41 purchases this year. And although I’m sad Cositas has gone, how many times did I actually go in? The truth is, I didn’t — and that’s sobering for someone who relies on local support.
“I don’t expect anyone to stop buying online, and I won’t either. But if even a quarter of those purchases were made locally — if
we all did that — many of these shops would still be here today, supporting local families and keeping money flowing through our community.”
Amee Radia and Bhavni Shah from CCL Opticians added: “We have loved looking after the eyes of our community for the last 60 years. It’s been a privilege to have all our wonderful patients and see them through good times and bad, to see children grow up and families develop. We are lucky to have such a great community and we need your support to keep thriving at The Quadrant. Thank you Marshalswick!”
