Maidstone’s independent retailers have combined to offer some seasonal cheer to shoppers this Christmas.

Under the slogan “This Christmas Shop Local – Keep the Cheer Here,” they have developed a range of value-for-money promotions to keep business in the County Town.

Participating shops will be displaying a multi-coloured poster saying “This Christmas Shop Local” or a blue-and-white signs saying “Small Business Saturday.”

Traditionally, the first Saturday of December is one of the busiest shopping days of Christmas, and the Federation of Small Businesses is running a nationwide campaign that day to boost support for the country’s independent retailers.

Ivan White, long-time leader of the FSB in Maidstone, said: “Half the retailers in the town centre are independents. Their unique presence, and their quality of customer service, are a big part of what makes Maidstone such a special place to shop in and to visit.”

On Small Business Saturday, December 6, Maidstone and the Weald MP Helen Grant MP and the Mayor, Cllr Richard Thick, will take a walkabout around the town centre supporting the independents.

Some of the offers available at Maidstone’s independent shops:

Ronald White Photographic and Optical Specialists, Pudding Lane: Free entry to a Christmas draw when you spend over £30, to win a pair of binoculars worth over £100. Entry to draw will be until December 16.

Harpers Gift Shop and Tea Rooms, Market Buildings: All purchases over £50 will receive a £5 voucher to redeem in January. In addition, there will be a lucky dip with all purchases with the chance to win tea and coffee vouchers, a £5 January voucher, and a £50 gift voucher.

Sew a Good Yarn, Edger Place, The Mall Chequers: Free entry into a raffle and a voucher for 20% off to be used once during January or February 2015, for any spend over £5.

Charmian Beaton Jewellery Design, Gabriels Hill: On Small Business Saturday (December 6) 15% discount off any purchase and free 15% off voucher for use in January.

Great Hairdressing, Market Buildings: On Small Business Saturday (December 6), any one colour service, plus luxury spa scalp treatment, plus cut and finish for £79 (saving £70).

Mr T’s Jeweller, Gabriels Hill: On Small Business Saturday (December 6) 10% discount off in-store purchase.

*For full details of all the promotions, visit FSB or look on Twitter @maidstoneindies