Unique exhibition celebrates independent retailers

30/06/09

Birmingham’s shopping streets will become home to a unique open-air exhibition tomorrow, celebrating the city’s independent retailers.

The exhibition, Celebrate Independents, has been organised by Retail Birmingham and will feature over 40 portraits of Birmingham’s shopkeepers taken by renowned local photographer, Steve Gerrard, whose portfolio includes Kings of Leon, Girls Aloud and Bon Jovi. The collection is inspired by the tradition of days gone by when shopkeepers were regularly photographed standing proudly in front of their stores, alongside their employees and products.

Celebrate Independents is supported by a free guide to Birmingham’s independent stores, including a foreword by ‘Queen of Shops’ Mary Portas. Over 100 of the city’s independent retailers were photographed for the guide, which will be available in shops, and the entire collection of images will be entered into the city’s photographic archive at Birmingham Central Library.

Retail Birmingham has also produced a new map and series of Celebrate Independents flags to signpost shoppers to the independent stores across the city centre throughout the summer.

Alan Chatham, Chair of Retail Birmingham said:
“This new collection of photographs brings to life the huge variety of retailers in our city. Birmingham’s independent sector offers a fantastic range of products from stylish menswear to handcrafted jewellery, music and vintage wear, and many of the stores have traded in the city for decades.

“Birmingham has gained an international reputation as a leading shopping destination, and our aim is to ensure that visitors discover the full range of shopping opportunities the city centre has to offer. Throughout the summer, we’d encourage shoppers to go out and explore Birmingham’s stores and beautiful arcades. These are difficult times for many but we hope that this exhibition and the Independent Retailers Guide will encourage shoppers to support the passionate individuals who help create a special and distinctive experience in our city.”

The Celebrate Independents exhibition launches tomorrow, Wednesday 1 July at High Street and New Street Birmingham, and runs until the end of the month. A special fashion show featuring Independent Retailers will take place at Radisson SAS Hotel, supported by Harvey Nichols, on Wednesday 8 July.