"Favorite Local Retailer" contest recognizes merchants statewide

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Shop local. It matters.

ALBANY, NY (07/03/2013)(readMedia)-- Devoted customers of local stores across New York state turned out in force to ensure their favorites were nominated in a contest hosted by the Retail Council of New York State and I Shop NY, an initiative to encourage shoppers to support community stores before turning to out-of-state Internet-only merchants. The top three nominated stores include Parkleigh, a popular gift shop in Rochester, N.Y. (parkleigh.com), which received 448 votes; Vidler's 5 & 10, a nostalgic variety store in East Aurora, N.Y. (vidlers5and10.com), which received 294 nominations; and Surviving Sister's Boutique, an eclectic store that supports many charities and houses more than 100 local artists, vendors and consignees in Hyde Park, N.Y. (facebook.com/SurvivingSistersBoutique), secured 179 votes.

Other top contenders include: Sana Hashmat Couture, New York, N.Y. (sanahashmatcouture.com); Sierra Lily, Poughkeepsie, N.Y. (sierralily.com); HiHo Home Market, Gardiner, N.Y.(hihohome.com); The Wear House Accessorized, Williamsville, N.Y. (thewearhouseaccessorized.com); The Cross Eyed Owl Gift Shop, Valatie, N.Y. (crosseyedowl.com); Hazy Jade's Gift Shop, Albion, N.Y. (facebook.com/hazyjadegiftshop); and Dedrick's Gifts, New Paltz, N.Y. (dedrickspharmacyandgifts.com).

The contest ran from May 10 through June 27 on I Shop NY's Facebook page. The winner was announced Friday, June 28. I Shop NY received nearly 1,800 total nominations of 155 different merchants across the state. I Shop NY is a creation of the Retail Council, the largest full service retail trade association in the state representing thousands of stores ranging from independent merchants to national chains.

"The Favorite Local Retailer contest put a spotlight on several unique, much-loved retail businesses around New York state. We congratulate Parkleigh on their well-deserved win. They are a perfect example of a local business that employs lots of people, supports the tax base and adds vitality and charm to Rochester," said Retail Council President and Chief Executive Officer James R. Sherin.

As I Shop NY's Favorite Local Retailer, Parkleigh wins a one-year membership in the Retail Council, which offers programs and services designed to decrease overhead and operating costs for retailers. The Council also represents the retail industry before state government, and offers education and information to merchants to help them run successful businesses.

"Membership in the Retail Council of New York State is a best business practice at Parkleigh. Being nominated as I Shop NY's favorite local retailer is an honor, and having devoted Parkleigh customers is priceless," said Parkleigh President Jeannine Klee.

As part of the contest, one lucky person who nominated a local retailer was drawn randomly to win a $500 shopping spree to that store. The winner was Lauren Knittel of Rochester, who nominated Thread, a women's and men's clothing boutique in the South Wedge neighborhood of the city.

"We are honored to have Lauren choose us for her $500 shopping spree! We work hard to provide the best customer service and products for our customers. Thread has been able to be a part of the South Wedge neighborhood in Rochester for so long because of the local support we receive. We are very appreciative for our city and our community support," said Sandy Brazis, co-owner of Thread.

"The goal of I Shop NY and this contest is to increase awareness of great local stores across the state in a positive, energizing way. Merchants got in on the action and promoted the contest, which fanned its growth. We appreciate their support," said Sherin. "We also thank the nearly 2,000 shoppers who nominated local retailers; it boosted the spirits of participating merchants and helped us demonstrate why local businesses are the backbones of our communities."

About I Shop NY: Local retailers employ our neighbors, support our tax base and add vitality and charm to our communities and shopping districts. I Shop NY helps these stores face growing competition from out-of-state Internet-only merchants and encourages shoppers to patronize local stores first.

Shoppers can find special promotions from merchants across the state on www.ishopNY.com. The Council markets these offers using social media and other new and traditional marketing tools to assist participating stores. I Shop NY is a free member service of the Retail Council of New York State. Merchants who aren't members of the Retail Council can use I Shop NY for free with a 6-month trial offer. Learn more at www.retailcouncilnys.com/ishop-ny.

Learn more about I Shop NY at www.ishopNY.com and at www.Facebook.com/IShopNY.

About the Retail Council of New York State:

The "Voice of Retailing" in New York state, the Retail Council offers money-saving group benefit programs and government relations advocacy to thousands of retailers and other service providers. Learn more by visiting www.retailcouncilnys.com or www.Facebook.com/RetailCouncilNYS.

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