Retailers ready to welcome Canada for coupon promotion

Governor boosts retail tourism and New York's merchant community

ALBANY, NY (03/10/2015)(readMedia)-- With some 200 retailers signed on so far to Governor Cuomo's initiative to promote New York as a shopping destination for Canadians looking for great deals and unique shopping experiences, the Retail Council of New York State today urged every merchant to get involved.

Governor Cuomo's "I Shop NY" initiative runs from March 22 – April 6.

"People visit New York for all the great reasons that we see in every promotion from I Love New York and Governor Cuomo," said Retail Council of New York State President and CEO Ted Potrikus. "Now we can share with Canada all the great reasons why they should visit often and 'shop New York'. I know that everyone will find lots of reasons to come back often."

The partnership with I Love NY finds merchants offering a downloadable "flexi" coupon to give shoppers access to special discounts on in-store purchases in participating stores throughout New York.

"Every merchant in New York should be on board," said Alayna Alderman, Vice President of The Record Archive in Rochester, New York (http://www.recordarchive.com) and a member of the Board of Directors of the Retail Council of New York State. "We know that the Record Archive and the entire Rochester area are destinations for music lovers and record shoppers from all over the country. Governor Cuomo's program delivers our message – and the message of the entire retail industry – to our friends north of the border. We're looking forward to welcoming new visitors and excited to be a part of the program."

Mr. Potrikus said the promotion is open to all retailers in New York.

"This isn't just for Retail Council members," he said. "We're proud to be the conduit between the state's diverse merchant community and Governor Cuomo's initiative. We're excited to add any retailer to the roster of participants offering this great promotion."

Retailers interested in adding their store to 'I Shop NY' can call Michelle Bruck, the Retail Council's Director of Communications, at 518-465-3586, or e-mail her at mbruck@retailcouncilnys.com.

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