UK consumers willing to travel to favourite indie retailers
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UK consumers show their loyalty to independent businesses in miles, says American Express research.
Research released by American Express ahead of Small Business Saturday shows the extent of consumer loyalty to small businesses, with UK consumers willing to make a 36 mile round-trip to visit their favourite independent businesses, and 85% willing to go out of their way to return to a small business.
The research found that the personal service and knowledge offered by independent business owners is key when winning customer loyalty. When consumers were asked why they are prepared to make a special trip, over half cited the personal service (59%) and the specialist knowledge (49%) they receive from small business owners as the main reasons. A third (33%) of people questioned said they know the staff by name.
Over half of those surveyed (56%) said they would continue to use a small business even if they moved location - such is their loyalty to their much-loved stores. And 47% would travel to another town or city to go to a small shop they like.