03 July 2023
Independent Retailer Month (IRM) is a month-long celebration of independent retailers that takes place every July. The goal of IRM is to encourage consumers to shop at independent retailers and to highlight the positive social and economic impact that these businesses have on their communities.
The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) is urging its members to get involved in IRM this year. Bira believes that independent retailers are essential to the fabric of British communities and that they play a vital role in the economy.
Bira recently met with Tom Shay, one of the founders of Independent Retailer Month in the US, to discuss ways we can promote and communicate the event both to our members and the general public. Over the course of July, we will be providing information and resources to our members via our website and all social platforms, so make sure you like and follow us via the links below.
You can download, print and display our official poster and social media templates here
A brief history of Independent Retailer Month
In 2003, Tom Shay, the principal of Profits Plus, created a holiday called National Independent Retailer Week to show retailers how they could create celebrations for their communities.
In 2009, social entrepreneur Kerry Bannigan launched Independent Retail Week, a week-long event in New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, and New Jersey that focused on independent fashion retailers. The event was supported by over 400 retailers, as well as the city's tourism boards, chambers of commerce, and mayor's offices. It was also featured on NBC, Fox, ABC, and CBS.
In 2011, Shay and Bannigan joined forces to create Independent Retailer Month, a month-long celebration that highlights the importance of independent retailers to their communities and economies. There are many ways for independent retailers to get involved in IRM. Retailers can hold special events, offer discounts, or simply put up signs in their windows to let customers know that they are participating in the campaign. Bira also encourages retailers to share their stories on social media and to use the hashtag #IndependentRetailerMonthUK and tag @biraretail.
In addition to encouraging consumers to shop local, IRM also aims to raise awareness of the challenges that independent retailers face. These challenges include rising rent, increasing competition from online retailers, and government policies that make it difficult for small businesses to succeed.
Bira is committed to supporting independent retailers and to helping them overcome these challenges. The association provides a variety of resources and services to its members, including business advice, training, and networking opportunities.
Here are some specific ways that Bira members can get involved in IRM:
- Hold a special event. This could be anything from an outdoor sale to a customer appreciation day.
- Offer discounts or promotions. This is a great way to attract new customers and to encourage existing customers to shop more often.
- Put up signs in your window. Let customers know that you are participating in IRM and that you appreciate their support.
- Share your story on social media. Use the hashtag #IndependentRetailerMonth to tell people about your business and why you love being an independent retailer.
- Get involved in local events. Attend community festivals, farmers' markets, and other events where you can connect with potential customers.
- Partner with other local businesses. This is a great way to cross-promote your businesses and attract new customers.
By getting involved in IRM, you can help to support independent retailers and to make a difference in your community.