The Metro Independent Business Alliance (MetroIBA) wants you to celebrate your independent locally owned businesses throughout July and has created a month-long promotion to encourage Twin Cities residents to do just that.
Twenty-five Twin Cities merchants are participating in the MetroIBA’s “Celebrate Your Independents” program, including Bugle-area stores Micawber’s Books, Bibelot Shops, Peapods and Warners’ Stellian. Other St. Paul area stores include Computer Revolution in Roseville, Creative Lighting, Gingko Coffee House, Golden Fig, Mosaic on a Stick, Trotter’s Cafe and Wet Paint.
Merchants are offering a variety of in-store discounts and participants may enter a drawing by going online to register. Two winners will each receive $1,250 in gifts cards from half of the 25 participating businesses.
Here’s how it works: go to www.buylocaltwincities.com to register and to print out the Celebrate Your Independents brochure, which features a passport that contains the 25 special merchant offers. When you register you will be entered into the drawing. You get more chances to enter the drawing by visiting each store, where you will receive a code that will allow you to enter the drawing again. A person could potentially enter the drawing 26 times.
No purchase is necessary, but participants get one entry per person per store. The merchant offerings are valid July 1-31. Gift card winners will be selected in August at a drawing at Peapods in St. Anthony Park.
For more information and to find the downloadable brochure, go to www.buylocaltwincities.com. MetroIBA is a nonprofit organization working to support and preserve locally owned, independent businesses in the Twin Cities. Its mission is to help the Twin Cities maintain its unique community character, provide continuing opportunities for entrepreneurs and build economic strength.
