MySTORE, the Independent Retailer Division of Retail Council of Canada, Launches Shop Indie Week

Independent retailers are invited to join the campaign to celebrate Shop Indie Week in their communities during Small Business Month

TORONTO, Oct. 7, 2014 /CNW/ - MySTORE, the independent retailer division of Retail Council of Canada, is pleased to pay tribute to Canada's proud independent retailers during Small Business Month, with the introduction of Shop Indie Week, October 18 – 25, 2014. Independent retailers are invited to join the campaign to promote and celebrate Shop Indie Week in their communities. 

Retail is Canada's largest private sector employer and independent retail touches each and every Canadian. It often provides youth with their first job experience, independent retailers make purchasing choices based on their customers' needs and the needs of the community, and independent business owners are role models through their involvement in community initiatives and fundraising.  

"Our goal is to raise awareness of the vital importance of independent retailers in every community across Canada," says Mark Startup, Vice-President, MySTORE. "We recognize that retailers are competing in a rapidly changing and complex world and we make it our priority to acknowledge their dedication and contribution to our community, as well as acting as a resource. The launch of this campaign couldn't be more timely, with Small Business Month underway and the busy shopping season of Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday and the holiday season quickly approaching."

The campaign has many facets, including a variety of distinctive Shop Indie materials available for use during the campaign and throughout the year.  To highlight the successes and passion of independent retailers, the MySTORE Independent Retailer Pinterest Board has been created, with submissions from retailers themselves populating it daily. The website is also a resource for articles about issues impacting independent retailers and updates on how government policies impact the independent retail industry.

For more information, visit www.shopindieweek.com and stay connected with @RCCMySTORE and #ShopIndie.    

About Retail Council of Canada (RCC)

Retail Council of Canada (RCC) is the Voice of Retail in Canada representing more than 45,000 store fronts of all retail formats, including department, specialty, discount, and independent stores, and online merchants in general merchandise, grocery and drugs.  Its membership represents 80% of all retail sales in Canada.  RCC is a strong advocate for retailing in Canada and works with all levels of government and other stakeholders to support employment growth and career opportunities in retail, to promote and sustain retail investments in communities from coast-to-coast, and to enhance consumer choice and industry competitiveness. RCC also provides its members with a full range of services and programs including education and training, benchmarking and best practices, networking, advocacy, and industry information. www.retailcouncil.org / @retailcouncil

SOURCE: Retail Council of Canada

For interview requests or further information: Mark Startup, Vice-President, MySTORE, Retail Council of Canada, [email protected], 604.730.5252