MANY have perished, swallowed up by the onslaught of large chains taking over the High Streets.

But an army of proud shop owners is intent on bringing ‘indies’ back as Independent Retailer Month gets underway.

On Thursday, The Brunel’s 19 independent stores launched the countdown to the annual campaign and sent customers a clear message: “We are here to stay.”

Among the indies celebrating the start of the initiative with an early-morning photo shoot were Collectors Corner, iWok, Miché Niche, Sweets Galore, Veron Patisserie and Kateson Beauty Care.

A drive to attract new independent stores was set in motion by The Brunel prompted by customers’ cries for more diversity at the shopping centre.

Officially marking Retailer Month was the ideal way to turn the spotlight on their work and welcome the centre’s newest residents, said deputy centre manager Jane Stewart.

“We regularly do exit surveys with our customers and what they said was that they wanted to see more independent retailers,” added Jane, who also acts as marketing manager at The Brunel.

“They offer a great service, they take time with their customers and they are passionate about what they do. It is important for us to shine a light on the independents that we have. We want to nurture these businesses and support them.”

Independent Retailer Month launched in 2011 across the UK in a bid to highlight the important role small, local, independent retailers play in the communities they serve, the local economy they contribute to, and in the retail sector as a whole.

According to the campaign’s organisers, for every £1 spent at an independent business, between 50p and70p circulate back into the local economy.

The campaign was the occasion for many to look back on their achievements and give themselves a deserved pat on the back for their perseverance over the years.

“It’s great to promote the independents,” said Anne McCullock, co-owner of Sweets Galore, who recently moved to a larger unit in the arcade. “Shopping centres needs variety, not the same chains in every town you go to.

“A campaign like this makes customers aware that we are here.”

Indies’ expert advice and friendly service is what sets them apart from chains where, Marion Miché believes, the rapport with customers has been lost.

“The number of independents is dwindling so Retailer Month is important,” said the owner of Miché Niche vintage and retro store.

“We need to let people know we are here and that they need to support us. I advise customers, spend time with them, offer them a cup of tea.

"I’m very involved. It’s all about the quality of service with independents. A lot of people come to the shop saying they’ve been to chains on the High Street and couldn’t find anything. Helping customers and advising them – customer service- has been lost.

”They were just a number in the shop.”

A smile certainly never hurt, added Marion.

“When you give customers a warm welcome with a smile makes it makes all the difference.”