An Asheville Goodie Bag stocked with locally made treasures will go to the winner of the 2025 Asheville Indie Retail Challenge. The more retailers visited, the more chances to win! Image Credit: ExploreAsheville.com

EXPLORE ASHEVILLE CELEBRATES
INDEPENDENT RETAILER MONTH WITH THE 2025
ASHEVILLE INDIE RETAIL CHALLENGE

Shoppers can check in at five or more independent retailers using the Explore Asheville App this July and be entered to win a basket of local treasures

ASHEVILLE, NC (July 9, 2025) — Visitors and locals alike can celebrate Independent Retailer Month this July by taking part in the 2025 Asheville Indie Retail Challenge. The challenge is a fun and easy way for shoppers to explore Asheville’s local, independent retailers—and win a basket of Asheville-made goodies while they’re at it.

The 2025 Asheville Indie Retail Challenge is simple. First, mobile users need to download the Explore Asheville app, available on the App Store or Google Play. Under the “Indie Retail Challenge” icon, users can browse a map of all 239 participating retailers across Asheville and Buncombe County.

When a shopper arrives at one of the participating stores, they simply tap the “Check In Now” button on that retailer’s app listing. Five check-ins during the month of July earn one entry to the prize drawing. Every additional check-in equals another entry. So, the more independent retailers visited, the more chances to win!

In early August, one winner will be chosen at random to win an Asheville Goodie Bag featuring locally made treasures. The Asheville Goodie Bag, which has a retail value of $500, includes:

  • Two Biltmore passes
  • An East Fork mug
  • Spicewalla 10-pack "Made With Love in Asheville" collection
  • Local sourwood honey from The Asheville Bee Charmer
  • Asheville Mix from Poppy Popcorn
  • Asheville Grey Tea by Asheville Tea Company
  • Moonlight Makers tea towel
  • An art print from Horse + Hero

Interested players can check out this handy explainer video for a step-by-step guide on how the 2025 Asheville Indie Retail Challenge works: Watch the Tutorial

 

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Media Contact:

Ashley Greenstein
agreenstein@exploreasheville.com
828.318.8960