The state”™s leading retail association, founded in 1931 and representing more than 5,000 members from solo shops to national chains, has made the leap to Internet promotion to build business-friendly communities.
“I Shop NY” is a statewide campaign from the Retail Council of New York State that primarily uses new media and public relations “to build communities of support among local business owners and consumers.” It debuted May 22; the website is Ishopny.com.
The goal ”“ same as always ”“ “is to create a strong statewide business community by turning shoppers on to great local businesses.”
One in five or nearly 2.5 million New York state jobs are directly or indirectly supported by retailers, according to the association; and 16 percent of New York”™s GDP is generated by the retail industry.
Initially for the first six months, any business with a physical presence in the state can register for free and appear on the “I Shop NY” website. After that, the service for non-association members will be $50 to complete the year.
“Our members want us to remind shoppers of the critical role they play in the state”™s communities and of the need to boost the economic engine that is retailing in New York,” said James R. Sherin, the retail council”™s president and CEO. “”˜I Shop NY”™ is our response.”
“”˜I Shop NY”™ reminds New Yorkers of the economic impact they make when they shop in their communities,” the council reported. “The campaign encourages consumers to strike a balance in their shopping habits to include local merchants and other service providers. This is a statewide campaign marketed extensively by the Retail Council of New York State to build communities of support among business owners and consumers.”
