Did you know what happens in July? It a huge celebration. No not that celebration. It is a celebration of the American Spirit. Well when I put it that way it does sound like that, July celebration. What I am really talking about here is, the month of July is Independent Retailer Month. Shocker, right? Well it is. So, when I found out I had to know more about it. I had no idea that we even had a month-long holiday. No, it does not mean that those of you with Government Jobs are closed and off from work for the entire month. Although with the current COVID 19 things happening, they sure seem to be, but that is another BLOG 😊.
Where to look for information about Independent Retailer Month? Come to find out they have their own website under that very name. Right off the bat they have a full section to explain the holiday and how it came to take up the entire month.
According to their website here is what it all means:
“Independent Retailer Month is a shop local event that runs annually throughout July encouraging consumers to shop at independent retailers; highlighting their positive social and economic impact – locally, nationally and globally.”
Where it began...
“Independent Retailer Month was born from the collaboration of two very different individuals who share a common desire to celebrate 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, Co-Founder of Nolcha, launched ‘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 400 retailers, garnered support from the city’s tourism boards, chambers of commerce and Mayor’s office; with features on NBC, Fox, ABC and CBS.
In 2011 discussions began between Bannigan and Shay as they wanted to be inclusive of everyone that had some form of recognition for independent retailing. July 2011 Independent Retailer Month USA was born highlighting the important role local merchant’s play in the community, economy and overall retail sector.
The same year the Independent Retailer Month campaign expanded to the United Kingdom led by Clare Rayner, The Retail Champion.
Today Independent Retailer Month encourages consumers to celebrate the independent retailers that are the backbone of our communities and engages independent retailer associations and local officials to promote shop local campaigns.”
Well now you know what it is and where it began. So by celebrating a month long focus the hope is that people are encouraged to seek out independent retailers and small local business, who are the lifeblood of the American economy, rather than the giant companies or faceless online sites that seem to consume the consumer. As part of that small business community, we here at Access West Insurance Services are fully involved in and supportive of our local independent retailers and small business communities. Like most local businesses we survive by working with our neighbors in our communities not only to grow with, but to be supportive to one another. The Staff has the experience and dedication to help both businesses and individuals in our communities. It is Their Integrity that builds Trust, through that Trust they provide Protection, and with that Protection comes the excellent Service that their clients deserve.
In honor of Independent Retailer Month Access West Insurance Service is offering a complimentary gift card to all business and individuals who reach out to them for a quote on their Auto and Home Insurance. Also, for any referrals by either their current business or individual clients they will also offer them a gift card for the month of July. Give Access West Insurance Services a call and let us review your business insurance, or your personal insurance and see if we can help. We not only look for the best pricing, but we also let you know if your coverage is adequate or if you are paying for coverage that you will never use. As an Independent Insurance Agency, we can take the time that many of the faceless “800#/internet” companies cannot or do not do, for the sake of closing quotes. Does your business have the coverage for inventory, are you covered for Workers Comp, is your liability coverage correct for the size and type of business you operate? Does your home insurance cover for water backup coverage, does your auto insurance cover that Mercedes Benz you just rear-ended, does your auto insurance cover the passengers in your car after that guy with no insurance hit you as you were moving through the intersection? These are the questions we review with, make sure our clients are aware of, and are covered for, plus a lot more. Reach out to Access West Insurance Services and let us help you and reward you while we all celebrate Independent Retailer Month.