BUSINESS Independent Retailer Month Helps Support ‘Shop Local’ By Jamie Wilson Monday, August 15, 2016 12:25 AM RELATED CONTENT Living La Vida Local Independents Appeal to the Millennial’s Individuality An Expertly Curated Customer Experience Is Key Making Your Business an Extension of Yourself Better Branding Helps to Transition From the Traditional Championing the Independent For independent businesses there are many tools to create awareness and events that support the “shop small” movement and like Small Business Saturday, Independent Retailer Month (IRM) is one of those events. The event, which designates July as the month to celebrate independent retailers across the country, does this through a range of online and in-store community events and promotions. Through these events, consumers are encouraged to support the “shop local” trend and the positive social and economic impact is often highlighted. The event was co-founded by Tom Shay (the retailer) and Kerry Bannigan (the marketer) after both created events celebrating the independent and decided to combine them in July 2011 to form Independent Retailer Month USA. The objectives of IRM are to engage independent retailer associations, connect consumers with the local businesses and impact community growth. Shay said, “After signing up your business on the website, talk to your Chamber of Commerce, merchants association, main street program and any group you belong to that promotes retailing. Tell them you want your group to get involved. IRM grows only by our individual and collective efforts.” When businesses join IRM, their stores will be included on the organizations “shop local map” encouraging consumers in the area to shop with them. Resources such as logos, promotional postcards, in-store signage and marketing tools are also available. To get involved, small business owners can visit their website at indieretailermonth.com.