With Independent Retailer Month well under way, event partners, Kerry Bannigan and Tom Shay, could never have guessed the viral nature of the initiative as it has expanded beyond U.S. borders. Consumed with its attempts to save High Street, the U.K. was the first stop during the initiative’s global expansion. Partnering with Clare Rayner, a U.K. based retail expert, was an easy choice. Widely known as The Retail Champion, Rayner shares her passion and commitment to help retailers optimize the performance of their business to make it into a scalable and saleable propostion. Bannigan comments, “We are thrilled to have a U.K. partner who shares our understanding of the economic value add of new business including independent retail and that a buzzing high street with a great mix of both chains and indie is good for all retailers. The next generation of big are today’s independents.”
Independent Retailer Month Meets Its Goal on a Global Scale
The focus of Independent Retailer Month is on all independent retailers, regardless of what products they sell. Bannigan and Shay are including the manufacturers and wholesalers who provide products and services to these independent retailers as well. The initiative is inclusive of everyone that has some form of recognition for independent retailing, in the hope that Independent Retailer Month will become the umbrella for all, in the USA and, now, globally. “I am delighted to be invited to participate in this exciting campaign and very proud to have been selected as the official U.K. partner. July 2011 will be an opportunity for everyone with an interest in retailing to celebrate the diversity and creativity that the independents bring to the sector as a whole,” Rayner notes in a recent press release.
Among the benefits of participation, local retailers receive the opportunity to have their products featured on Independent Retailer Month’s website homepage, as well as being part of a widespread media campaign. Rayner among many is looking, “to bring back the enjoyable, social side of retailing and hopes that by celebrating and supporting independent retailers a few more will be encouraged to go for growth and open new stores.”
Independent Retailer has been named an official trade media sponsor of Independent Retailer Month. Check back for more updates.