Online lending platform Funding Circle announced earlier this week it has formed a partnership with Just A Card, a grassroots campaign run by artists, makers, and small business owners, to help independent retailers increase sales during the upcoming Christmas season.
Funding Circle reported that in the run-up to Just A Card Indie Week, the independent, colorful alternative to Black Friday, which encourages consumers to shop from independent businesses at Christmas, the online lender and Just A Card are calling on small business owners to take part in the campaign.
“Just A Card Indie Week will take place from the 19th-23rd November. During the week, small businesses will display stickers in their windows, promoting their participation, while Funding Circle, Just A Card, and campaign supporters raise awareness of why it’s important that the British public consciously support independent businesses by making at least one or more purchases from these retailers in the coming weeks.”
Funding Circle noted the campaign stems from the understanding that for Britain’s small businesses, every sale makes a difference, no matter how small. The lender will be delivering 7,000 window stickers to retail businesses in their community with the aim of directing more Christmas shoppers to their doors. With this support, this number of supporters is set to treble, at least, this year. Speaking about the initiative, James Meekings, Co-Founder and Managing Director, Funding Circle stated:
“Funding Circle was born from the belief that when small businesses succeed, everyone benefits. We’ve supported 42,000 British businesses access the finance they need to help them grow, and now, through our partnership with Just A Card, we can also help encourage more shoppers through the doors of independent retailers. Every sale makes a difference – no matter how small! We’re proud that we can help Just A Card treble the reach of its campaign in the run up to Black Friday, and this is just the start for us.”
Sarah Hamilton, Founder of the Just A Card campaign, added:
“We’re delighted to have teamed up with Funding Circle because we know they’re just as passionate about small businesses succeeding as we are. The British public cherishes independent shops and small businesses, they are the foundation of our country, but to flourish they need our custom and support. The Just A Card campaign helps small businesses get the vital extra sales they need.”