More than 140 of Birmingham’s independent retailers will be given their chance to shine during a special week highlighting the city’s hidden shopping gems.

The Retail Birmingham initiative aims to showcase small stores with a ‘Celebration of Independents’ week starting on July 1 to coincide with the launch of a new guide and map.

The free guide will be available in a number of stores and at key information points around the city centre and to download online at shoppinginbirmingham.com.

The week will also feature lunchtime jazz entertainment across the city centre retail area and arcades, as well as a summer garden party themed shopping evening at Great Western Arcade on July 4, where late night shoppers can enjoy entertainment throughout the evening.

The week-long campaign also marks major anniversaries for traders within the historic Piccadilly Arcade. Gift store Smithsonia will be celebrating 30 years of trading within the arcade with daily prize draws to win handmade gifts from UK craftsmen, complimentary chocolates for customers and demonstrations from British jewellery designer Carrie Elspeth throughout the day on July 2.

Marco Benito Beauty Salon is celebrating 25 years within the arcade with a number of offers and demonstrations for shoppers to enjoy throughout the week.

Gay Faulkner, centre manager at Great Western Arcade and vice chair at Retail Birmingham, said: “The event plays an extremely important role in giving recognition to independent traders, so we are delighted to be involved once again this year. We welcome all who wish to support and celebrate this very dedicated section of the community and look forward to showcasing many of the new retailers within the arcade at the Summer Garden Party on July 4.”

Jonathan Cheetham, chair of Retail Birmingham, said: “Retail Birmingham has always recognised the important role that independents play in bringing personality and vitality to the city centre.

“With a board comprising of a number of active retailers, we have a full understanding of the situation facing our members and continuously work to offer marketing support and lobby for financial support to best help them grow and assist their businesses in these challenging times.

“In developing effective campaigns such as the Celebration of Independents week, we can continue to raise the profile of the wonderful mix of unique shops on offer in Birmingham and encourage visitors to continue to explore these hidden gems.”

For more information about the offers and activities taking place throughout the Celebration of Independents week visit: ShoppinginBirmingham.com