I Shop NY launches $500 shopping spree contest

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Shop Local. It Matters.

ALBANY, NY (05/29/2013)(readMedia)-- One lucky shopper will win a $500 shopping spree to his/her favorite New York store when he/she nominates the merchant on I Shop NY's Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/IShopNY. I Shop NY encourages shoppers to support local stores before turning to out-of-state Internet-only merchants. I Shop NY is an initiative of the Retail Council of New York State, the largest full service retail trade association in the state representing thousands of stores ranging from independent merchants to national chains.

"I Shop NY reminds state residents of the jobs, vital tax base support and other benefits store-front merchants provide every day to our communities," said Retail Council President and Chief Executive Officer James R. Sherin. "Our local economies throughout the state are directly tied to the success of their merchants. We hope the $500 shopping spree contest excites New Yorkers and encourages them to support the local stores and other businesses in their own backyards."

The retail industry employs more New Yorkers than any other industry. One in five or nearly 2.5 million jobs are directly or indirectly supported by retailers.*

To nominate favorite merchants, shoppers simply need to like I Shop NY's Facebook page (www.Facebook.com/IShopNY), and create a post that includes the store's name and city/town. Complete details are available at www.ishopNY.com/lovelocal. The contest runs through Thursday, June 27, 2013. The shopping spree winner will be drawn and announced on Friday, June 28.

The merchant with the most nominations will win a one-year membership in the Retail Council of New York State, which offers programs and services designed to decrease overhead and operating costs for retailers. The Council also represents the industry before state government, and offers education and information to merchants to help them run successful businesses.

Shoppers can find special promotions from local merchants across the state on I Shop NY's website, www.ishopNY.com. The Council markets these offers using social media and other new and traditional marketing tools to assist participating stores. 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.

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.

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

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