SHOPPERS have been urged to back their local independent traders as part of a national campaign.

Small Business Saturday, which takes place tomorrow, is an initiative designed to support small local traders.

Joanna Douglass, business and regeneration officer at Mold Town Council, told the Leader she is encouraging residents and visitors to the town to take the time to shop local this weekend and in the future.

"We want to highlight the range of small local businesses we have here," she explained.

"It is something we need to celebrate and recognise.

"Take time out to have a good look around at what we have on offer not just in terms of shops but also wonderful venues to eat and drink.

"Our independent businesses and shops offer fantastic customer service.

"Those looking for a Christmas gift will receive a personalised service and something unique.

"I would really encourage people to shop locally and support our small businesses all year round, but particularly in the run up to Christmas.

"Spending just £10 will really make a huge difference to our local economy."

Mrs Douglass said that according to totallylocally.org, if every adult in the UK spent just £5 per week in their local shops and businesses instead of at big firms or online, it would be worth £16.8 billion going directly back into local towns.

Simone Ellis, of Simmi Womenswear in Mold, said: "It's all about shopping local and bringing people together and supporting each other.

"We offer a personalised service and have friendly staff that know what our customers like and want.

"It's a more personalised shopping service."

Caroline Johnson, of The Bookshop in Mold, said: "We want to encourage people to use the town centre for Small Business Saturday.

"Even if it's just part of their Christmas shopping - do it here in Mold.

"The season has started well this year. We've been quite hectic.

"As an independent business we offer service, community spirit, a selection and something different and more personal."

For Small Business Saturday The Bookshop is to host an event with author Richard Martin from 11am.

Mr Martin will be signing copies of his book Ships of the Chester River.

Richard Howells, of the Olive Tree Delicatessen, said: "For Small Business Saturday we'll have lots of samples and tasters out for our customers to try.

"Hannah Blythyn AM has been in doing her bit to promote Small Business Saturday as well.

"When you shop at an independent business the money doesn't go to a big corporation.

"For a small business customers are the difference between closure and survival."

Stephen Jebb, of Tails-a-Waggin pet shop, said: "I'd definitely encourage people to use the high street and small businesses rather than going to the big companies.

"With us you get more quirky products and we have time for one-on-one discussions with our customers."

Katy Duplock, of Dawnsio Dance, said: "We're really proud of Mold and we want to keep it alive and thriving.

"If we're not getting people on the high street shops will close - we need to support our local shops.

"It is important to remember that local shops are linked to people's livelihoods.

"There are real people behind the shops - they're not big directors of companies.

"They have families and it is their job and their life - they work very hard to keep it going."

To find out more about Small Business Saturday, visit https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com

Alternatively search for the hashtag #SmallBizSatUK on social media.