The City of Asheville has officially proclaimed July 2025 as Independent Retailer  Month, joining a national movement to celebrate the creativity, community and economic  impact of independently owned businesses. This local proclamation kicks off a monthlong  collaborative effort led by Go Local Asheville, Merchants of Downtown Asheville (MODA),  Asheville Downtown Association and Explore Asheville. 

The newly launched marketing effort invites residents and visitors to take the “Shift 10” pledge – a call to shift 10% of their spending from national chains or online platforms to local  independent shops throughout July. 

“Locally owned businesses circulate three times more money back into the local economy than  chain stores,” said Sherree Lucas, director of Go Local Asheville. “We’re excited to stand behind  Independent Retailer Month with the City and these other organizations to remind people that  every local purchase bolsters our local economy and supports this place we are proud to call  

home.”  

As part of the campaign, Explore Asheville has created a toolkit for local businesses full of plug and-play social graphics, storytelling prompts and in-store signage that retailers across the area  can use to amplify their participation.  

Highlights include: 

• Shift 10 Pledge Campaign – Encouraging shoppers to commit to spending locally this  July by shifting 10% of what they would normally spend at big box stores or online giants  to local independent retailers. 

• Shop & Win Scavenger Hunt – An interactive, app-based experience where participants  can check in at indie retailers across the city for a chance to win a basket of locally-made  goods and Biltmore tickets. 

• “Shop by Vibe” Social Guides – Personality-driven shopping lists that celebrate the  variety and character of Asheville’s independent retail scene. 

The full toolkit and pledge form are available now at  

exploreasheville.com/partners/article/independent-retailer-month-partner-toolkit

“A small shift in spending can have a big impact,” said Dodie Stephens, vice president of  marketing at Explore Asheville. “According to The Business Journal, if every U.S. family spend  $10 a month with a locally owned businesses, over $9.3 billion would be returned to local  economies like ours. Our goal is to help people see how easy – and meaningful – it is to support  the independent retailers across Buncombe. They are the open doors and smiling faces who  welcome our visitors to this deeply rooted, creative community.” 

Source: Go Local Asheville.