This July, there’s a lot more to celebrate than our nation’s independence (although that’s certainly worth celebrating!). It’s also Independent Retailer Month, a month-long celebration of independent retailers and the vital role they play in both their local and the national economy.
The goal of Independent Retailer Month is to encourage consumers to shop locally owned and operated retailers. Organizers emphasize that shopping local, independent businesses can help build and support local communities. In fact, according to organizers, if every family in the U.S. spent an extra $10 a month at a locally owned, independent business instead of a national chain, more than $9.3 billion would find its way back to local economies.
In this post we’ll offer you some ideas on how you can make the most out of Independent Retailer Month so, whether you are already operating an independent retail business or are looking to open one, July is your time. Literally. Welcome to Independent Retailer Month.
Why Independent Retailer Month matters
Local, independently owned businesses are growing. According to IBIS World, the number of small specialty retail stores in 2023 was 154,606, up 1.6% over 2022. This growth suggests both an audience for independent retailers, and a challenge for them to create a strong, distinctive identity among an increasingly competitive marketplace.
Independent Retailer Month gives merchants an opportunity to share their story and promote their unique offerings by engaging with customers in their communities.
By shining a light on local, independently owned businesses, Independent Retailer Month helps advance several important goals, including:
- Support for local economies: Money spent at local businesses stays local and helps to grow the community’s financial health.
- Local jobs creation: Local businesses are key to creating local employment opportunities.
- Support of entrepreneurship and innovation: Independent retailers are often the embodiment of entrepreneurship. By supporting them, customers encourage that spirit within the community. Celebrating Independent Retailer Month helps recognize and support these entrepreneurial efforts.
- Promoting a balanced local marketplace: Supporting independent merchants helps create and maintain an ecosystem where different types of businesses can thrive.
- Foster a sense of community ownership: Independent Retailer Month gives your customers an opportunity to foster a sense of mutual support and community pride.
How to get the most from Independent Retailer Month
Independent Retailer Month is your moment to shine. Here are some things you can do to enjoy maximum benefits from this month-long celebration:
Present your store at its best: Make sure your store is stocked and clean. Take extra care in creating inviting and engaging product displays.
Make customer service king: Your employees are the frontline of your brand. Make sure they understand the importance of making every customer interaction the best it can be.
Interact with customers personally: Customers love it when they feel they have a personal connection to the business owner. It makes them feel like they are an “insider.”
When July ends, keep the relationships going: Keeping your audience engaged will pay off with long-term loyalty and sales. Encourage email signups for regular newsletters that offer exclusive promotions and updates.
Emphasize social media: A strong social media presence is key, and achievable for most everyone. Focus on two or three platforms (like Facebook, Instagram, or “X” formerly Twitter) that work well with your business’s story and products. Posting “behind-the-scenes” content, celebrating individual employees or emphasizing your store’s community roots can be especially engaging to customers. Be sure to use the hashtag #indieretail on every post.
Help get the word out about
Independent Retailer MonthIt’s not too late to create awareness around Independent Retailer Month in your community. Talk to other retailers to sync up plans and promotions around the event.
Then, make sure your local community leaders and business organizations (especially the Chamber of Commerce) know about this special event and are committed to spreading the word. Here are just few examples of how they can help:
- Make announcements (e.g., in community newsletters) about Independent Retailer Month
- Promote Independent Retailer Month to local media outlets.
- Choose one local retailer to honor as the Independent Retailer of the Year
- Create a promotional page on their websites listing local independent retailers
- Put up banners or street flags in local retail districts celebrating Independent Retailer Month
Learn more about Independent Retailer MonthFor background, statistics and downloadable resources, visit the Independent Retailer Month web site.