Just a Card Day: 28th September 2018

You've heard us talk about the #justacard campaign a number of times and how important it is to every independent shop and gallery across the UK. 

It's not just about buying a card, coffee, cake, ring etc etc. it's about spreadhing the message of how important these are to our high streets and livelihoods!

So for this month's blog I thought I'd do a  shout out for this campaign and "Just a Card Day" and ask you to get yourself your window stickers if you're a shop or maker and if you're a shopper, and I think we all are, then please consider your purchasing from an independent retailer as often as you can.

The aim of the Just a Card campaign is to "encourage people to buy from Designer/Makers and Independent Galleries and Shops by reinforcing the message that all purchases, however small, even 'just a card' are so vital to the prosperity and survival of small businesses. 

The campaign came about when Artist & Designer Sarah Hamilton saw the quote "If everyone who'd complimented our beautiful gallery had bought 'just a card' we'd still be open" by store keepers who'd recently closed their gallery. This prompted a call to action! Designer/Makers and independent shops and galleries need a voice. People seldom realise the considerable costs involved in exhibiting at design shows or keeping a shop open. Stand fees, power, materials, wages etc need to be met before even a penny of profit can be realised. Running a shop is often a labour of love. Without dedication and passion, and crucially sales, it would be another boarded up eyesore.

As a direct response to the campaign many people have reported they often feel embarrassed to make a small purchase as they felt this may appear miserly. Something they'd never feel in a large chain store. Since hearing of our campaign they've changed their opinion."

If you want to support the campaign then please:

1. Adding our logo to your blogs, websites etc.

2. Follow @justacard1 on Twitter and Instragram Retweet & spread the word.

3. Download posters and postcards from our website and put them up in your event or shop

4. Get involved with Just a Card Day: 28 September 2018.

5. Purchase  from independent shops, galleries and makers

And finally - by all means compliment people, it makes the world a far sunnier place, but if you can, PLEASE, buy just a card!

#independentpurbeck #independentswaange #supportingbritishartistsandmakers #purbeckgalleryguide