It’s Independent Retailer Month, and Heart on Main Street is joining in this effort to encourage consumers to shop local. Heart on Main Street was founded two years ago to provide knowledge, resources, and connections to independent retailers to help them evolve and thrive in an ever-changing economy.  This month, Heart on Main Street is celebrating the unique spirit of independent retailers with both a special donation to further empower local businesses, and their first-ever “Best Of” award.

Their initial award will be for the winner of a summer window display contest. It’s not too late to enter – the deadline is July 19. The theme is a summer display that “bursts with beachy vibes or vibrant garden themes.”  After the nomination period, the community will be invited to vote from July 22 to 29. The winner will get a basket of summer treats. 

The idea of winning a national competition is of course inviting – bragging rights on social media are priceless – but is this something you could do in your own community as well? The only cost is a prize, which could be merchandise donated by all the businesses that enter.  But in some communities such as Great Bend, Kansas, there are cash prizes provided by a local organization or Chamber of Commerce. 

Be sure to set use your local contest to draw people to visit your shopping district. One idea would be to have voting be in person only, or to require some indication that the voter had actually seen the window and not just a photograph. 

Publicizing the entries is a great opportunity to show off the charm of the shops in your area. Holidays are of course the perfect time to hold an event like this – and you can see lots of great ideas on this Pinterest board. 

Best wishes for Independent Retailer month, and thanks to Heart on Main Street for another inspirational idea to help small businesses across the country thrive. 

Happy Retailing,

Carol “Orange” Schroeder