Weekend of Local Campaign Calls on Oklahomans to Shop Small July 14-16

The Independent Shopkeepers Association (ISA) and partners across the state of Oklahoma are asking Oklahomans to shop and eat local to celebrate small businesses in their communities for the Weekend of Local, July 14-16. 

The campaign, organized by ISA in partnership with 38 local organizations, including the Greater OKC Chamber of Commerce, Oklahoma Main Street Center and Downtown OKC Partnership, has more than 300 local businesses participating in the celebrations with in-store events, discounts and more. 

Through the Weekend of Local, customers are encouraged to celebrate the important role local shops and restaurants play in making Oklahoma a better place to shop, eat and play. ISA created the initiative in 2021 as a way to bring the community together and rally Oklahomans to show up big for small businesses.

"The Weekend of Local is such an exciting weekend in Oklahoma," said Cléo Nash, Executive Director of ISA. "There’s participating restaurants and shops all around the state offering fun activities and giveaways. We thought if Amazon can have Prime Days, small businesses should have something nice too."

Similar to Small Business Saturday, the campaign challenges customers to focus their spending on locally-owned businesses and invest in their communities. For every dollar spent at a locally-owned business, 67 cents stays within the community compared to 43 cents of every dollar spent at a national chain. 

“We all know how big of a financial impact shopping and eating local has on our communities,” said Nash. “Just imagine if for a whole weekend, everyone in Oklahoma only spent money at locally-owned businesses. It would not only help these small businesses thrive, but it would also directly benefit our cities and towns. If any state in the country can take on this challenge, it’s Oklahoma.”

More than 300 small businesses statewide have signed up to participate in the festivities and will offer special incentives, from in-store events and activities, to sidewalk sales, giveaways and more. A directory of participating businesses, along with a map and list of happenings, is available at weekendoflocal.com. Customers are encouraged to tag #weekendoflocal on social media and share their weekend of local adventures online. 

About ISA:

ISA is a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization for independent shopkeepers in Oklahoma with the mission to support, educate, celebrate and encourage the growth of local retail in Oklahoma.  

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CONTACT:
Cléo Nash, Executive Director
hello@isaok.org 
(405) 514-5205