ISA's goal is to build a community of like-minded business owners with shared experiences and be an advocate to ensure local shop owners have their voices heard and feel supported in their effort to contribute to our local economy and culture.
Our Mission
ISA’s mission is to support, educate, celebrate, and encourage the growth of local retail in Oklahoma by providing a platform for independent shopkeepers to grow, support one another, and maximize their individual contributions to our unique local culture. We believe that our community is stronger and our culture richer when local retail thrives.
With 60+ members across Oklahoma, ISA has the strongest coalition of independent shops in the state and we want you to join us! Sign up to become a member today and find out about all the benefits ISA offers.
It’s no secret we believe Oklahoma has the best community of local shops in the world. That’s why one of our goals is to connect you to independent shops throughout the state so you can help us show them the support they deserve.
Find new local shops to support or connect with your favorites by browsing our convenient local shop directory.
Learn more about ways you can support ISA and local shops by donating or partnering with us.
Are you a community member wanting to support our mission?
In 2020, we launched our State of Retail Study, the first in-depth report gathering data from local shopkeepers throughout our state to get a better understanding of the state of local retail and the challenges our independent shopkeepers face. The study, published annually, offers never-before-seen insights into the industry.
We have the only association focused specifically on independent retail in Oklahoma, forming a coalition of like-minded business owners.
ISA produces the Holiday Pop-Up Shops, an event connecting the community to local retailers. Throughout its nine seasons, the Pop-Ups have generated more than $3 million in sales for small businesses.
When you shop local, $68 of every $100 you spend stay in your community, directly impacting your local economy. When shopping at a big box store, only $43 stays in your community.
ISA consults directly with its members, shop owners throughout Oklahoma, to offer programming targeting their specific needs.
Shop Talk is a series of continued education classes for shopkeepers. We offer classes on topics you deal with every day as a shop owner, from customer relations, employee management and accounting to visual merchandising and branding.
In 2021, ISA launched the Weekend of Local, a grassroots campaign featuring 300+ local shops throughout the state. The campaign rallies customers to shop, eat and support local all weekend long.
Once a year, ISA hosts 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.
Through partnerships with private businesses, we offer aspiring shopkeepers a chance to test the market and grow their retail business in a low-risk envinronment.
Kelli & Jessi Newsome / Owners of Common Dear & Johnny and June
