KUKShades, the online beachwear boutique based in Carlisle, has been placed in the top 100 to be showcased in this year’s Small Business Saturday initiative.
Small Business Saturday is a national campaign which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to support their local independent shops, online stores and commercial companies. Each year 100 businesses are chosen, to be on featured during the 100 days running up to this year’s main event, which takes place on December 1st
Candice Bond, owner of KUKShades says she is thrilled to have been chosen to represent Cumbria.
“It’s an honour to have picked to take part in this year’s Small Business Saturday campaign. KUKShades is the only Cumbrian business in the 100 this year and I feel extremely proud to represent the county.”
Candice’s online boutique specialises in beachwear and holiday accessories produced by small independent labels, designed and made ethically. She is also in the process of designing and producing her own range of beachwear. Candice is also passionate about the role independent businesses play on the high street.
“Retail is in a vulnerable situation at the moment and not just for small stores. Carlisle has witnessed this with the loss of some big names and independent favourites that have been part of the city for decades. I would love to move a portion of my business to the high street but it’s just not viable. There seems to be a lack of support and understanding of small business needs and the irony is that there are now over 30 empty shops in Carlisle.”
Candice hopes that by being a part of Small Business Saturday she can help to encourage consumers to support small independent shops and businesses.
“We can all do our bit to show our support, we can buy a small item, recommend a service or share our love for our favourite stores on social media. Money spent locally is invested locally.
Each of the 100 businesses has their own dedicated day to be showcased across social media – KUKShades will be featured on 31st August.
Small Business Saturday will be holding events, including a promotional tour of the country, over the next couple of months.
You can follow and support all the other businesses by looking out for the #SmallBiz100 hashtag on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
