Indiebound Naperville Logo

With all the exploding fireworks, brassy parades and picnics in every park, it’s nearly impossible to miss Independence Day on July 4.  But in Naperville, local independent business people participating in the IndieBound movement are just as enthusiastic about Independents Week, Monday, July 6 through Sunday, July 12.  Those businesses representing IndieBound Naperville will be celebrating with special community-based activities all that week.  Savvy shoppers will find exclusive deals, giveaways and opportunities to add to the fabric of the community.

Residents are asked to mark their calendars to catch all the excitement of the first IndieBound Naperville Independents Week.  The July 6-12 schedule of events was designed by the IndieBound Naperville organization, which was formed last year to band locally-owned businesses in their efforts to distinguish themselves from the national big-box chains.   To date, the group includes nearly 100 stores, services and restaurants.

On tap for Independents Week are savings, entertainment, outreach, education and fun.  The full week includes:

∙ Monday, July 6- Heartland Blood Drive, which is open to donors ages 17 and older.  The Heartland bloodmobile will be set up on the west side of Anderson’s Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville from 2:00-7:00 p.m.  A generous opportunity that helps build local blood supplies, the drive also echoes the idea of the key role local businesses play as the pulse of Naperville.  Summer is typically when donor blood is in short supply and donations are appreciated.

Monday is also the first day to pick up an IndieBound Bingo card from participating locations.  Play to win gift cards from locally-owned businesses.

∙ Tuesday, July 7- IndieBound Tax Holiday, available at IndieBound businesses displaying the Tax Holiday poster.  Shoppers who ask for the tax break can take advantage of savings with a 7.25% discount.  After all, a battle against taxes played a part in this nation’s founding 233 years ago.  Now, thanks to Independents Week, why not take your tax break?

∙ Wednesday, July 8-  Independents Celebration Parade, will kick off at 4:30 pm on Washington St. between Chicago Ave. and Benton St.  Bring the family for parade fun.

∙ Thursday, July 9-  Sidewalk Sale, throughout the downtown area offers big savings.  To honor your independent businesses, stop in to those displaying the red IndieBound Naperville logo to sign the Declaration of IndieBound.

∙ Friday, July 10-  Non-Profit Day, shines a spotlight on featured, local non-profits in front of our IndieBound locations.  Come and learn more about these groups who do so much to support those in Naperville and the surrounding area.

∙ Saturday, July 11-  Freedom Walk, invites you to stop at local businesses displaying the red IndieBound Naperville sign for special offers and candy for the children.

∙ Sunday, July 12-  IndieBound Block Party, offers food, fun, music and more.  The festivities take place behind Anderson’s Bookshop.  Also, Independents Week Bingo comes to an end, and cards must be turned in to be eligible for fabulous prizes.

The idea of IndieBound Independents Week is to bring attention to all the benefits of shopping locally and independently and to showcase those businesses that help local communities thrive.  It’s a growing trend.  According to Bookselling This Week, consumers are thoughtfully choosing independent businesses rather than national chains, and the “shop local” movements have reached the mainstream.  Key is that shopping locally bolsters local economies.

“For every $100 you spend at one of our local businesses, $68 will stay in the community,” says Becky Anderson, co-owner of Anderson’s Bookshop, an IndieBound Naperville member.  “When the same amount is spent at a national chain, more than half of the money goes to distant corporate headquarters, wherever they may be.”

Significant as well, notes Anderson, “Shopping at your nearby brick-and-mortar, locally-owned store also ensures that sales taxes are reinvested where they belong- in our communities.”   Nurturing local businesses ensures a stronger community.

In addition, there is a noticeable preference among consumers for green, eco-friendly measures.  Buying from a local business conserves energy and resources in the form of less fuel for transportation, less packaging, and well made products that local retailers stand behind.

To learn more about IndieBound Naperville’s Independents Week, please go towww.Indieboundnaperville.org.  For information about the national IndieBound initiative, visitwww.Indiebound.org.  For questions, call Anderson’s Bookshop, Naperville at (630) 355-2665 or visit online, www.andersonsbookshop.com.