Edinburgh shop-keepers come together for new Shop Small Festival

AUGUST wouldn't be August in Edinburgh without at least one festival, and with the demise of this year’s events, one group of local shop-keepers have got together to ensure the Capital has at least one physical festival in 2020.

Graham Savage, creator of Shop Small Festival

The retailers have joined forces to run a ‘festival’ celebrating small businesses.

Shop Small Festival will run from 24 to 30 August across the city, with more than

50 small businesses taking part to offer a stream of events, giveaways and promotions to celebrate independent retail.

With Covid-19 putting a halt on this year’s festival, retailers fear missing out on up to a quarter of their annual income. It is hoped that the Shop Small Festival will help reduce that deficit and bring communities together and encourage support of the local, independent stores that help.

The idea was the brainchild of Graham Savage of plant retailer, Grow Urban. In a bid to help fellow retailers through the adverse effects of lockdown, he was keen to create an event which encourages the support of local retail.

He explains, “After speaking to other retailers and hearing first-hand how difficult things had been, I had to help. With news of the Edinburgh Fringe being cancelled, it felt appropriate to organise our own festival; but one that would focus on small business and help bring the community together.”

He continues: “It’s been a difficult time for all and a very lonely time for some, so it’s important that we work together to reignite our community and celebrate our shops and our people! The retail sector in Edinburgh has so much to offer and I feel it’s time to shout about it and showcase it.

"We’re delighted to have so many amazing businesses signing up and we really hope the community will pledge their support. We need their help in this dark time and we’re looking forward to embracing this opportunity and creating a buzz.”

For a list of businesses taking part visit www.shopsmallfestival.com

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