Celebrating Independent Retailer Month in July
Harnessing the Power of the “Shop Local” Message
As the USA celebrates its independence on July 4th, so do independent retailers. July is Independent Retailer Month, which presents a prime opportunity to promote the importance of buying local – especially as the world opens up. Strong independent businesses are the lifeblood of a community, each of you adding a unique flavor.
The goal of Independent Retailer Month is to highlight the critical role local merchants play in the community and the national economy. The month-long celebration encourages consumers to shop local and celebrate indie retailers, with the goal of creating more sustainable cities, towns, and communities. (Source: smallbiztrends.com)
Here are some ideas to help you plan to promote your independence and value:
1. Tell Your WHY
Tell your community WHO you are and why you do what you do. People love stories and yours is an important one to tell. Record a short video for your website, create a social media post (maybe a quote from the owner), and send it to your email marketing list. Explain your history, identify what makes you special, and invite people to come to meet you and your staff in person. Let your personality shine through: it’s how connections are made!
2. Spread the Word
There are some great quotes here about the value of buying local, so consider using an infographic or statistic to help tell the story of why local businesses are integral to our overall economy. Promote Independent Retailer Month on your social media accounts and your website. Be sure to use the hashtags #indieretail and #shoplocal to help spread the word. Visit https://www.indieretailermonth.com/
3. Come Together
Use this opportunity to promote what safety tactics you have implemented to keep your community safe and reinforce the importance of sticking together through challenging times.
“With July being Independent Retailer Month, the time is ripe to explore how small independents are reclaiming their status as a major competitive force, and as crucial components of a thriving community!” - Forbes
4. Show Your Flavor
What makes you, you? Think of a special or product that illustrates the uniqueness of your store. A product like C2 Guard can really set you apart from competitors because customers can’t get it anywhere else—and it’s gaining a following as one of the leading edge stains in the category. Let people know that you truly care about helping them take care of their homes, which continues to play an integral role in our security and comfort.
61% of shoppers said the main reason they prefer small and local retailers is that offer unique products.
Visit the Independent Retailer Month website to download resources you can use to market your business and promote Independent Retailer Month. They have downloadable postcards, posters, and graphics you can use in-store, on social media, your website, and in print.
Consider these marketing ideas:
Do you have proper signage? Make sure your store stands out and make it visible that you are an independent! Many are looking for alternatives to large chain stores.
Bonus bucks: Give customers a $1 coupon for every $10 they spend in your store in July. The coupon is redeemable in August, so you can get them back in your store. Then they become a loyal customer!
Badges or T-shirts: Create campaign buttons or custom t-shirts for your staff to wear with a message like: “Proud to be Independent!” Maybe make some extras and give them away to your top customers.
Goodie Bags: Hand out goodie bags or special promotional items with certain purchases or to new customers. Make sure it has your logo visible so they remember you.
Charity Giving: Offer to donate a % of purchases to a local community charity. Choose one that is special to you. It will help illustrate the value and comradery of your community and reinforce the valuable part you play in it.
While all eyes are focused on building strong and equitable communities, this is the time to band together to spread the message of supporting independent businesses. Promote each other, unite your community, and remind consumers of the far-reaching benefits of shopping local and independent.