A SMALL business lobby group has urged Merseysiders to support their small high street retailers throughout one of the worst downturns in the industry.

The plea comes as many face uncertainty or collapse, including Liverpool’s 99-year-old discount chain, TJ Hughes, which was put into administration last Thursday.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is backing “Independent’s Day”, launched by Skillsmart Retail and the National Skills Academy for Retail.

The campaign calls for the public to buy at least one item from their local independent shops today, to help keep the high street alive.

The FSB has its own “Keep Trade Local” campaign. Its regional development manager, Neil Dutton, said: “As the high street continues to face some serious challenges from the effects of the recession, lower consumer spending, internet shopping and out-of-town shopping centres and supermarkets, much more must be done to help the local high street survive.

“As a first step, the FSB in this region fully supports the Independent’s Day campaign and is urging the public to purchase at least one item from the local high street on July 4. This will help raise the profile of the fantastic diversity the high streets in the region can offer and the crucial role they play in the local community.”

Meanwhile, insolvency trade body R3 claims the worst is far from over for retailers. Jeremy Oddie, R3 North West chair, said its latest research had shown that 87% of North West shoppers had changed spending habits over the past year.