Shoppers in the UK should be encouraged to support their local shops in a similar way to that which has been set up in the US, it has been claimed.
An initiative known as Small Business Saturday was begun two years ago and takes place on the first Saturday after Thanksgiving.
As this is one of the biggest shopping days of the year in the US, it helps to bring in a large amount of profit for local businesses and is something that Chuka Umunna, the shadow business secretary, would like to see emulated in the UK.
In the US' 2012 version of the campaign, which saw such high profile backers as president Barack Obama and actress Jessica Alba, $5.5 billion (£3.4 billion) was raised.
Mr Umunna has suggested that the UK should take a similar approach and hold its own version of Small Business Saturday on December 7th.
This date has been chosen as it is situated within the busy shopping period leading up to Christmas, when many shops make the majority of their profit for the year.
Mr Umunna also hopes that local authorities, trade associations and business groups will get behind the plans and lend their support.
He said: "We must do more to celebrate the contribution local, small independent businesses make to our economy and encourage people to buy from them."
Small shops in the UK are continuing to feel the pinch with many households cutting back on spending as a way to make ends meet.
Many retail experts have predicted that this year will see trading conditions remain tough, with the position of the high street in jeopardy.
Mr Umunna said: "Establishing a Small Business Saturday in the UK, a concept which has enjoyed considerable success in the US, would provide a small but simple and effective way to celebrate local small businesses and encourage more people to buy from them on one of the busiest shopping days of the year."
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