In the U.S., July is celebrated as National Independent Retailer Month. This celebration Thus Juypays respect to the independent retailers. These independent retailers support the local economy in a great way. Therefore, they deserve recognition. This is precisely what the National Independent Retailer Month brings to them.
All over the U.S., there are around 143,853 small business retailers. These retailers sell various products ranging from groceries, furniture, and footwear, to art supplies, books, and much more. In fact, in the U.S., between 2017 and 2022, the Small Specialty Retail Stores industry has seen a growth of 0.9% per year on average. In fact, opening a retail shop has become a popular way for people to start a business.
Therefore, given the popularity of small business retailers in the U.S., the celebration in July becomes even more important. Read the article to know more about the celebration.
National Independent Retailer Month
The entire month of July has been designed to support the small retailers. Therefore, this means that during this month we can support the small stores in our neighborhood and other retailers. The main aim is to motivate them to grow and to be resilient.
In the U.S. small retailers are considered the backbone of the national economy. But the pandemic years have affected them a lot. Even now in the post-pandemic times, inflation and various other factors are hindering their growth. A survey conducted recently has shown that a majority of the small retailers are worried about their business and are considering pulling down the shutters. On the other hand, only a handful of them has recovered from the economic crisis.
Another recent rent report has revealed a more alarming issue. According to that report, a major section of the small retailers has witnessed a sharp rise in the rent amount, over the last six months. All these factors together with inflation have made the lives of the small retailers painful.
However, the retail sales recorded in the first quarter of 2022 are higher than in the first quarter of 2021. Yet, it is much lower than the normal figures. Therefore, the celebration of National Independent Retailer Month becomes even more important.
Importance Of Small Retailers
We know that small retailers are considered the backbone of the U.S. economy. Therefore, they play an essential role in society. The benefits provided by the small retailers may be summed up as :
Better Shopping Experience
Let’s begin with the simple ones. The local small retailers offer a better shopping experience as compared to the big multinational retailers. The local retailers are customer-oriented and they better understand the needs of the local community. Therefore, they are more customer-friendly.
Good For Environment
The local small retailers have less impact on the environment. As they are located within the locality, people generally do not use their vehicles to visit these shops. Therefore, less car means fewer emissions and less pollution.
Boosts Local Economy
The local retailers mostly hire employees from their localities. Therefore, local employment rises and so does the local economy.
Making The Best Of The National Independent Retailer Month
If you are a small retailer, then July is the best month for you. You need to make the best out of it. In fact, during this time you should look for ways to step up your business. You may choose to offer gifts and discounts to your customers or join hands with other local retailers to organize an event. You can make the most out of the National Independent Retailer Month in the following ways:
- It will be not enough to simply offer discounts. If you want to make the most out of this month, then try to show off the range of your offerings. Moreover, you may also take to social media to share your backstory.
- Try to give the customers reasons for choosing you. In fact, try to offer them a unique shopping experience.
- Connect to your customers through email. Moreover, you may also keep sending your new offers from time to time. This will help you grow in a large manner.
Concluding Remarks
National Independent Retailer Month comes once a year. Therefore, try to make the most out of this opportunity. However, even if you are a customer, you can contribute to this celebration by purchasing things from local retailers. Moreover, you may also work to encourage the community to buy from the local retailers.
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