Independent We Stand helps consumers shop indie this holiday season

More than 100,000 consumers and businesses are committed to Independent We Stand, a national movement that supports locally owned retailers by shopping local. This holiday season, the small business movement offers tips on localizing holiday shopping, such as purchasing food for parties from a farmer’s market or buying toys and presents from independent merchants instead of national chain stores.

Such small changes can have big economic payoffs.

“A recent study found that every dollar spent at an independent local business generates three-and-a-half times more local economic benefit than if it was spent at a national chain,” said Bill Brunelle of Independent We Stand. “Not only does shopping local mean your money goes back into your town’s economy but many indie stores support local charities and other local businesses, keeping the money circulating throughout your neighborhood.”

A new Independent We Stand mobile app also provides Android and iPhone users a simple business search to find locally owned independent retailers throughout the country. Users have the ability to register their businesses and are able to stay informed with one click on their smart phones.

Indie businesses can stay connected to their customers and inform them of retail and community events during the holiday season.

Children’s World, a finalist of the 2012 Independent We Stand ‘Indie Awards’ invited the Sarasota, Fla., community to its version of  Neighborhood Toy Store Day, sponsored by the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA). This national event was celebrated locally at the store with professional entertainers, games and prizes throughout the day on Nov. 10. In addition to various holiday events, Children’s World partners with Toys for Tots all season long.

Every Christmas, A. Dodson’s, a locals’ favorite apparel and home-furnishing boutique in Suffolk, Va., is transformed into a Winter Wonderland where it snows inside the store. The boutique hosts a Women’s and a Men’s night where couples enjoy creating wish lists while the women enjoy various activities and the men enjoy bourbon on the house.

While many Independent We Stand businesses hold unique events over the winter season, some towns are making it possible to purchase all gifts at an independent retailer and support local communities.

More than 20 businesses in Fayetteville, Ark., participated in Block Street Bizarre, each offering a special activity, event, giveaway or sale to entice shoppers to celebrate the holidays locally instead of fight the madness commonly associated with Black Friday sales at big-box retailers.

“Block Street Bizarre is an incredible way to remind people that it’s not only possible, but seriously fun, to do all your holiday shopping locally. Several stores will be taking drop-offs and donations for local charities, as a reminder about the impact of spending your dollars locally during the holidays,” said Hannah Withers, Independent We Stand supporter, co-owner of Little Bread Company and president of Block Street Business Association. “Last year, I did 100 percent of my holiday shopping from local, independent retailers.”

To learn more about the movement and to pledge to buy local, visit www.IndependentWeStand.org. For other videos, please visit the Independent We Stand You Tube Channel.