Little Independent, a Chicago-based online marketplace for sale items from independent retail stores is celebrating Independent Retailer Month by offering 30 days of unlimited free listings to all stores that join between now and the end of July. Retailers use Little Independent to access new customers, enhance visibility online and sell inventory faster. Pet stores, boutiques, shoe stores, bike shops and any other mom and pop retailers are welcome. For more information, to shop or to sell, visit http://www.littleindependent.com/.
Little Independent launched in June 2011 and the site currently features 77 stores in 19 states. Founded by the owners of a bike shop in Chicago, the site works as an aggregate marketplace where multiple small store sellers pool their excess inventory to reach wider audiences online.
The site aims to be an advocate for independent retailers while helping savvy shoppers to find great independent stores and discounted merchandise online. Visitors to Little Independent can shop, sell or support. Over the last year, efforts have been made to add more stores and sale item content to attract more shoppers.
Independent Retailer Month is a global Shop Local campaign that runs throughout July to highlight the important role local merchants play in the community, economy and overall retail sector. Co – founded by Kerry Bannigan, CEO Nolcha Fashion Week, and Tom Shay, principal of Profits Plus, the initiative aims to impact the independent retail sector globally with relevant support, expertise and insights; connect consumers and communities to local retail merchants reminding them of the benefits of shopping local; and engage small business organizations, networks and thought leaders to demonstrate the importance of independent retail to the global, national and local economy.
“We’re very excited about Independent Retailer Month and we’re hoping that the unlimited free listings for 30 days promo for new stores will result in more shopping variety on our website,” says Lesley Tweedie, Founder of Little Independent.
Listings are normally less than $3.00 each and unlike other online marketplaces; Little Independent does not take a percentage of the sale when retailers sell their items. The listing fees are collected up front and the seller retains 100% of the sale. Since listings fees are waived, the Independent Retailer Month promo allows stores to sell online via Little Independent for free.
“We have over 250 items for sale from jewelry to cycling jerseys to toys but we definitely need more. The more there is for sale the more shoppers seem to find our site through search traffic,” says Tweedie. “New stores and more content means more shoppers which also helps the 77 stores that have already joined Little Independent.”
There is no cost to add a store and it only takes about ten minutes. The site is like Main St. online and all types of independent brick and mortar retailers are welcome. The Independent Retailer Month unlimited free listings promotion will continue through the month of July.
About:
Founded in 2010, Little Independent is a Chicago-based online marketplace for sale items at independent retail stores. Its mission is to be an advocate for independent retailers and to give savvy shoppers an easier way to find great independent stores and sale merchandise. To shop or sell, please visit www.littleindependent.com.
