SHOP TALK

Shop Talk is a series of continued education classes for shopkeepers. Every other month, we offer classes on topics you deal with every day as a shop owner. Subjects covered will range from customer relations, employee management and accounting to visual merchandising and branding.

HAPPY HOUR

We also host bi-monthly happy hours for you to spend quality time with other shopkeepers. We know running your own business can be challenging. We hope to give you the opportunity to sit back, enjoy a glass of wine (or two) and share your victories and struggles with fellow shopkeepers.

STATE OF RETAIL

Our annual State of Retail Study is an in-depth, data-driven published research on the impact of independent retail in Oklahoma. Through our annual Shop Census, we gather data to pinpoint industry standards and show the importance of the role independent shops play in our state’s economy. The Shop Census is conducted in June of each year, followed by a detailed report being published every summer. If you are interested in sponsoring this study, click here to learn more or email hello@isaok.org.

The shoppies

Once a year, we host the Shoppies, an evening event to celebrate your contributions to our community. The awards ceremony recognizes shopkeepers who make a significant contribution to the local shopping culture in Oklahoma.

HOLIDAY POP-UP SHOPS

The Holiday Pop-Up Shops have become a staple of the holiday season in Oklahoma City since 2013. The event acts as the main fundraiser for ISA  while continuing to promote local shopping in Oklahoma. Only ISA members are eligible to participate. Learn more at okcpopups.com.

WEEKEND OF LOCAL

ISA launched a new grassroots campaign in 2021, the Weekend of Local, to further promote supporting local shops. The campaign takes place over three days in July and rallies customers to shop, eat and support local all weekend long. Learn more at weekendoflocal.com.

DATA GATHERING

ISA focuses a large part of its efforts on gathering and analyzing data to better educate shopkeepers on industry standards specific to independent shops in Oklahoma, which hasn’t been done before. Data will range from sales and square footage to employee benefits and parking. ISA also conducts customer surveys to better inform shopkeepers on consumer behavior trends in Oklahoma.

ONLINE COMMUNITY

ISA members have access to a closed group on Facebook to quickly connect with fellow shopkeepers for advice, recommendations and feedback. The group is also used to keep you updated on retail industry news and ISA upcoming events and happenings.

MEMBER DIRECTORY

The ISA website features a searchable directory of members for customers to quickly find local shops. The directory includes a map and tag search for product specific searches along with a member profile with your shop’s website, social media and contact information.