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AmericanIndependentBusinessAlliance
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Nationwide Survey Demonstrates Value of Local Alliances                      

Independent Business Alliances and related “buy local” campaigns helping local business prosper through economic downturn.

A nationwide survey of nearly 1400 independent businesses in all 50 state showed independent retailers’ 2007 holiday sales held steady compared to 2006, averaging a .6% increase. Of particular note, however, businesses from communities with ongoing campaigns to promote local independents reported sales increases seven times greater than businesses from communities lacking such efforts. Increases averaged just .3% in unorganized communities compared to 2.1% in communities with Independent Business Alliances and similarly modeled groups.

Surveys were distributed to several thousand businesses via the Independent Business Forum (IBF), a new coalition among advocacy groups that support entrepreneurism and strong local communities, and trade groups representing independent businesses. AMIBA organized the first gathering of the IBF in November 2007, along with the American Booksellers Association, American Specialty Toy Retailing Association and the New Rules Project.

Surveys were distributed by the American Booksellers Association, American Independent Business Alliance and affiliates, American Nursery & Landscape Association, American Specialty Toy Retailing Association, the North American Retailer Dealers Association, Gift and Home Trade Association, Independent Florist Association, and the Institute for Local Self-Reliance. The online surveys were completed anonymously.

The survey was designed and results tabulated by Stacy Mitchell, senior researcher with the New Rules Project. If you have questions about survey methodology, please contact Stacy at smitchell “@” ilsr.org.

Additional participants at the inaugural gathering of the Independent Business Forum included: the National Trust Main Street Center, Community Wealth, National Community Pharmacists Association, National Bicycle Dealers Association and Logan Hardware (of the Ace Hardware co-op).

 

See this press release for additional details and quotes from participating parties.