I was happy to learn that a group is promoting July as Independent Retailer Month. Shop Local supports indie shops and thinks this is a good idea.
In particular, I liked the marketing ideas on their Resources page, including these:
Bonus buck: Give customers a $1 coupon for every $10 they spend in your store in July. The coupon is redeemable in August.
Happy hour: Offer red, white and blue cookies/cupcakes with refreshments to promote the ‘independent’ touch. You could also contact an independent restaurant to partner and provide some light bites.
Badges: Create campaign buttons for your staff to wear with the message: “Proud to be independent”
In-store event: Bring your community together by hosting an Independent Retailer Month kick-off event, in-store gathering and/or special promotion to celebrate your customers and local supporters.
Meet and greet: Invite your customers to meet brand owners/representatives to your store.
Beauty treats: Team up with an independent salon/spa in your community and offer customers in-store pampering.
Goodie bags: Give with certain purchases or to new customers.
Community talent: Support local designers, artists and/or DJ’s by hosting a joint in-store activity.
Run a contest: Offer the chance for one lucky winner and friends to have a private shopping party.
Shopping crawl: Team up with neighboring independent retailers to host a shopping crawl providing a map and prizes for participants.
Drop and shop: Invite customers to donate lightly worn clothing/shoes in-store for a local cause such as Dress for Success and receive an exclusive deal in store that day.
Charity giving: Offer to make a donation of 10% of the purchase price for each customer to a local community charity.
Check-in deals: Offer every shopper that “checks in” or tags to your store on social media an exclusive promotion in store
Online coupons: Offer exclusive promotions on your website that are redeemable in store only.
Media outreach: Proudly promote your involvement with Independent Retailer Month to your local magazines, blogs, TV and influencers to receive coverage and help attract more customers.