Independent Retailer Month: FAQ

What is independent retailer month?

Independent Retailer Month is a global 'Shop Local' campaign that runs throughout July to highlight the important role smaller, local, independent retailers play in the communities they serve, the local economy they contribute to, and in the retail sector as a whole.

Who are the people behind it?

Global Independent Retailer Month was co-founded by Kerry Bannigan, CEO Nolcha Fashion Week, and Tom Shay, principal of Profits Plus. They also front the campaign in the USA. In the UK Independent Retailer Month is led by Clare Rayner, The Retail Champion.

Where did it all begin?

Independent Retailer Month started life in the USA and was born from the collaboration of two very different individuals who share a common desire to salute independent retailers around the globe. In 2003, Tom Shay, principal of Profits Plus, created a holiday, 'National Independent Retailer Week', to show retailers how they could create celebrations for their communities, industries and own businesses. In 2009 Kerry Bannigan, Founder and CEO of Nolcha Fashion Week, devised 'Independent Retail Week', a week-long, city-wide, shopping extravaganza in New York, Chicago, Philadelphia and New Jersey, advancing the business of independent fashion retailers. This initiative worked with over 300 retailers, garnered support from the cities' tourist boards, chambers of commerce and Mayor's offices; with features on NBC, Fox, ABC and CBS.

In early 2011 discussions began between Bannigan and Shay as they wanted to create a campaign that was inclusive of ALL types of independent retailing. So, in July 2011, Independent Retailer Month USA and UK were born simultaneously with the goal to become a global campaign highlighting the important role local retailers play in the community, economy and retail sector as a whole.

What are the objectives of Independent Retailer Month?

There are 3 objectives to global Independent Retailer Month:

• Impact! To benefit the independent retail sector globally with relevant support, expertise and insights
• Connect! To link consumers and communities to local retailers, reminding them of the benefits of shopping local
• Engage! To spread the word via small business organisations, associations, networks, and thought-leaders to demonstrate the importance of independent retail to the global, national and local economies.

  Independent Retailer Month goes Global!

  In June 2011 Independent Retailer Month went global, announcing their first international partner in the UK. Retail expert, Clare Rayner, known as The Retail Champion because of her passion and commitment to helping retailers optimise the performance of their business to create scalable and saleable enterprises, fronts the campaign to celebrate independent retail in the UK.
  
  Kerry Bannigan, CEO Nolcha and Co-Creator of Independent Retailer Month, said: "We are thrilled to have a UK partner who shares our understanding of the economic value-add of independent retail, the importance of a 'shop local' campaign, and that a buzzing high street with a great mix of both chains and independents is good for all retailers. The next generation of big will come from today's independents."
  
  Have you got what it takes to launch Independent Retailer Month into your Country? If so, please contact us!