Indie Week Benefits Arizona Consumers and Independent Businesses

In recognition of National Independents Week, Local First Arizona will honor locally owned, independent businesses from July 1 – July 7, 2012. Known fondly as ‘Indie Week,’ the weeklong celebration will be filled with festive events and a special “Golden Coupon” offer which is good for a 20% discount at participating businesses. The collaboration between independent businesses and consumers is just the boost the Valley needs, especially moving into the summer months.

Arizonans are encouraged to “Take the Pledge” to shop local during Indie Week. Indie Week presents the perfect opportunity for Valley residents to visit any one of the many participating stores that they may not have otherwise known about or that they have wanted to try – all while spending locally and saving money.

The popular Golden Coupon is the ticket to saving 20% off purchases from hundreds of locally owned establishments including auto repairs, home furnishing stores, florists, restaurants, yoga studios and nurseries (a list of participating businesses will be available on www.localfirstaz.com in early June). Shoppers and diners can simply print out the Golden Coupon from the LFA website and use it at as many participating locations as they please.

Local First Arizona will be holding a social media contest in which consumers can post a photo and tag LFA on Facebook or Twitter using the Golden Coupon. Once they make a post they will be entered to win a staycation package. Multiple posts means multiple entries. The winner will be randomly chosen.

Local First is planning several cash mobs in Phoenix and Tucson, where Arizonans will be encouraged to visit stores participating in the Golden coupon program. Follow Local First Arizona on Facebook to get the times and locations for the mobs.

While Independents Week is a festive week long celebration, the larger message and goal is to create a ripple effect of local spending. By shifting even a small percentage of purchases to locally owned businesses, money is circulated back into the economy over and over creating up to 75% more tax revenue to the community and state. Independents Week is a great starting point on the road to a healthier local economy and more cohesive initiative to “Keep Your Money Where Your Home Is.”

About Local First Arizona

Founded in 2003 by Director Kimber Lanning, Local First Arizona (LFA) is the largest dues-paying alliance of independent businesses in the country, working to strengthen communities and local economies through supporting, maintaining, and celebrating locally owned businesses throughout the state of Arizona. LFA educates citizens, stakeholders, business leaders, and legislators about the significant environmental, economic, and cultural benefits of strong local economies. Visit www.localfirstaz.com for more information and a directory of locally owned businesses.