I Shop NY fights for local merchants

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Shop local. It matters. Visit I Shop NY at ishopNY.com and Facebook.com/IShopNY.

ALBANY, NY (05/22/2013)(readMedia)-- I Shop NY, a new shop local initiative launched by the Retail Council of New York State, encourages shoppers to support local stores before turning to out-of-state Internet-only merchants. The Retail Council of New York State is the largest full service retail trade association in the state representing thousands of stores ranging from independent merchants to national chains.

"New York's store-front retailers employ our neighbors, pay property and other taxes, support local charities, and add charm to communities across our state. This local backing and support can only remain viable, however, if New York consumers patronize the retail businesses in their cities and towns," said Retail Council President and Chief Executive Officer James R. Sherin. "Our members want us to remind shoppers of the critical role they play in the state's communities and of the need to boost the economic engine that is retailing in New York. I Shop NY is our response."

Retailers employ more New Yorkers than any other industry. One in five or nearly 2.5 million jobs are directly or indirectly supported by retailers. Sixteen percent of New York's GDP is generated by the retail industry.*

Shoppers can find special deals from local merchants across the state on I Shop NY's website, www.ishopNY.com. The Council promotes these offers using social media and other new and traditional marketing tools to assist participating members. Members of the Retail Council can use I Shop NY for free.

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.

"Social media and mobile marketing have revolutionized how retailers promote their stores, but the lightning fast changes are also difficult for small business owners to stay on top of and implement. I Shop NY lets the Retail Council and its experienced marketing team play a role in helping members market their businesses," said Sherin.

The Retail Council is utilizing the services of two Capital Region marketing firms to assist with I Shop NY. Zone 5 built www.ishopNY.com and does ongoing Web development work for the Council. Burst Marketing is assisting with social media initiatives.

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 Facebook.com/RetailCouncilNYS.

About Zone 5:

Zone 5, based in Albany, New York and San Jose, California; is one of few firms offering complete marketing communications services coupled with state-of-the-art digital production and public relations. Our seasoned team of more than twenty smart marketers, PR professionals and creatives bring a unique left and right-brain approach to communication challenges for clients across the country.

About Burst Marketing:

Burst Marketing's #1 Core Value is to produce results that positively impact our client's bottom line. We create and manage integrated marketing campaigns backed by sound strategy for select businesses, associations and non-profits. These campaigns surround potential customers with a unique message that gets them to act. By choosing Burst as their marketing partner, our clients can see what success looks like. Clear measurements are established so they know exactly how to calculate their return on investment.

* Visit http://ishopny.com/local-merchants for sources.

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