SHOPPERS are being urged to support Small Business Saturday in Urmston this weekend.

Falling on the first Saturday in December, the day is an annual recognition of the key role that small businesses play in the communities they serve, their importance to the national retail sector, and their significance to local economies.

Established businesses and start-ups in Urmston are hoping to welcome an influx of customers tomorrow (December 3) and to create the town’s busiest shopping day.

Prairie Schooner Taphouse and Bottleshop, in Flixton Road, will be offering free treats, giveaways and special offers.

They will also be offering a free £5 voucher when customers spend £10 in their off-license until December 3.

Each Small Business Saturday customer will also be entered into a free prize draw.

There will be complimentary mince pies and mulled punch and the full range of Christmas beers and gifts will be on offer.

Showcase Studios recently opened in Railway Road, transforming the once loved Old Royal British Legion which stood derelict for over five years and is run by Urmston resident Emma Hitchman.

Showcase Studios houses Showcase Dance and Stage which provides performing arts tuition to over 200 pupils per week, exercise and fitness programmes and classes through Showcase Fitness to adults, as well as offering bespoke venue hire, entertainment packages and event management through Showcase Events.

Gift voucher will be available for Christmas, with Showcase Fitness membership gift certificates or ShowcaseDS Clothing gift voucher options.

Small Business Saturday customer will be entered into a free raffle prize draw which will be announced on Sunday December 4.

Director Emma said: “Supporting local businesses is so important for our community, we hope that the people of Urmston will support us in our new small business and find lots of options available to the whole family by supporting local this December.”

New shop Winston and Ivy's, in Princess Road, is also looking forward to welcoming new customers.  

Tomorrow, it will be holding a a raffle to win a voucher for the shop, as well as free mulled wine and mince pies.

Winston and Ivy's, which opened up in the past few weeks, sells new, old and upcycled furniture as well as vintage mirrors, ornaments and handmade goods.

Owner Mandy Boud said: "We pride ourselves on being a bit different, selling quality, quaint and quirky goods."

The Urmston Partnership will also be promoting business on its stall at the artisan market on the day.

Stephen Hughes, an Urmston Partnership volunteer, said: “As a long-term Urmston resident who has seen local businesses endure tough times, it is brilliant to see Urmston thriving at present.

"Local people supporting local businesses has been key to this and Small Business Saturday is a great platform to strengthen that support and focus attention on the great local businesses we have.”