Independent Retailer Month: Show Your Support

What is Independent Retailers Month?

Each July, Acrisure celebrates Independent Retailers Month, a nationwide initiative that spotlights and supports locally-owned, independent retail shops—from bookstores, clothing boutiques, and specialty grocers to craft stores and hardware stores.

Founded to help consumers recognize the unique value that independent businesses bring to local communities, this month encourages patronage and supportive campaigns that aim to support local retailers.

Why Independent Retailers Matter

The scale of independent retailers in the U.S. makes them a formidable force in the economy and important anchors of support and activity in local communities.

The Local Economic Impact of Retailers

Independent retailers play a vital role in the U.S. economy:

• There are approximately 2.7 million independent retailers in the U.S. as of 2023, generating about $3.5 trillion in revenue—a figure projected to reach $3.7 trillion by 2025.
• There are around 1 million retail stores with physical presences in the U.S. as of 2024.
• Independent retailers returned 48% of their revenue to their local economy in 2021 alone.

Independent retailers' ability to keep money circulating locally—along with their large proportional employment—makes them essential to both local and national stability.

Community and Civic Investment

Small businesses, such as independent retailers, contribute at 2.5 times the charitable giving to local causes compared to larger businesses. 

• In 2024 alone, 59 million people were employed by small businesses.
• Plus, 76% of independent retailers in 2024 volunteered in their community.

Anchors for Neighborhoods

Independent shops may help to enhance neighborhood identity, preserve cultural heritage, and promote foot traffic that benefits nearby businesses.

• Many host local events, book readings, art shows, workshops, and more, which can foster deeper ties between neighbors.

What Are Some Supportive Actions You Can Take in July for Independent Retailers Month?

To support independent retailers this July, you can shop locally with intention, amplify the store's stories, attend events, purchase gifts from them, and become an advocate.

Shop Local with Intention

• Map out and visit independent retailers in your area.
• Give preference to these retailers when you need essentials or want treats.
• Get to know your local community's schedule, such as village-wide sidewalk sales.

Amplify Retailer Stories

• On social media, tag and endorse your favorite retailers.
• Leave positive and helpful online reviews on Google, Yelp, or other platforms.

Attend Retailer Events

• Independent bookstores, craft shops, and boutiques often schedule July events, featuring special promotions, workshops, or themed evenings. Go ahead and check them out!

Shop for Gifts at Independent Retailers

• Purchase gift cards from local retailers—for birthdays, holidays, or just a treat-yourself moment.
• Shop local when you are putting together gifts.

Advocate and Donate

• Ask local governments to support small businesses via grants, favorable zoning, or "buy-local" campaigns.
• Donate your time or resources to associations that support the development of independent retailers.

What Challenges Are Independent Retailers Facing in 2025?

While resilient, independent retailers face growing pressures, such as:

• Rising costs: Inflation, increasing commercial rents, and staffing expenses can all contribute to rising costs.
• E-commerce giants: Online marketplaces often offer extensive inventories and fast shipping, drawing some consumers away from traditional, independent retailers.
• Climate and disasters: Extreme weather, such as floods and wildfires, can threaten physical shops and increase insurance costs.
• Insurance premiums: Rising property, liability, and other insurance costs can put a strain on margins.

These challenges make supporting local businesses during Independent Retailers Month even more critical.

Common Insurance Needs for Retail Businesses

A crucial, often overlooked way to support retail health is helping to ensure independent retailers maintain the right insurance coverage to help them stay resilient in the face of unexpected setbacks.

Here are a few common types of small business insurance coverages that can be important for retail businesses to consider:

Business Owner's Policy (BOP): BOP insurance conveniently bundles commercial property and general liability insurance and can include business interruption coverage as well.

Commercial Property Insurance: Typically covers damage to premises, fixtures, and inventory due to covered events which may include fire, theft, vandalism, and storms.

Commercial General Liability (CGL) Insurance: CGL insurance typically covers third-party claims, such as customer injuries and slip and fall incidents, as well as advertising liability.

Business Interruption Insurance: Also known as business income insurance, it typically covers lost income and operating expenses if a covered disaster forces temporary closure.

Workers' Compensation: Worker's comp is required in most states for businesses with a certain number of employees, it typically covers medical, rehabilitation, and lost wages for job-related injuries or illnesses.

Product Liability Insurance: Important for retailers that manufacture, package, or resell items, it helps protect against claims of injury or damage caused by products.

Commercial Auto Insurance: Generally required for business-owned vehicles used for deliveries or errands, for example, it typically covers claims arising from accidents and property damage.

Cyber Insurance: Cyber insurance typically protects against claims arising from data breaches and online fraud—especially critical for retailers that process payments or collect customer information.

Umbrella Insurance: Provides additional liability coverage beyond the limits of existing liability policies, helping to offer additional financial protection against large claims.

Some Other Endorsements or Policies to Consider: Crime insurance typically covers claims arising from theft or employee dishonesty. Spoilage coverage can be helpful for grocers. Inland marine insurance can be crucial for movable property, including deliveries of equipment or inventory to clients or markets.

Acrisure can help independent retailers understand their risks and find the right coverage.

Tips for Independent Retailers: Shopping Smart for Insurance

Here are a few steps to consider when thinking about shopping for insurance for your retail business:

1. Evaluate your risks: Understand your exposures: property, products, employees, and cyber threats, etc..

2. Bundle coverages where available (such as a BOP): for convenience.

3. Get multiple quotes: Premiums can vary. Working with an insurance broker can help find you the right policy at the right price.

4. Explore ways to lower premiums: If it is important to keep premium costs low, consider higher deductibles, which can sometimes mean lower premium costs.

5. Ask for discounts: Bundling policies with the same insurance company, safety features, or telematics may help.

6. Consult an insurance professional: Insurance professionals including insurance brokers and agents, such as those at Acrisure, can help you understand your unique insurance needs and help you find the right insurance.

Wrapping Up

Independent Retailers Month is more than a feel-good campaign—it's a call to action. By shopping local, spreading the word, and advocating, you can help strengthen what research shows: independent shops are economic engines, community stewards, and job creators.

So next time you see an independent retailer, remember the ripple effect of your support—it can help to fuel community vitality, local economies, and sustainable futures. 
Additionally, retailers that have the right retail insurance in place can help ensure they'll be around for many more Independent Retailers Months to come.

Acrisure supports retail businesses with business and insurance solutions built around retail industry expertise. Request a small business insurance quote today or contact us to learn more.