Shop Iowa Day set for Oct. 12

Shop Iowa, a statewide e-commerce marketplace initiative of the Iowa Economic Development Authority with the support of the Iowa Small Business Development Center, has set the first Shop Iowa Day for Wednesday, Oct. 12.

Shop Iowa is managed by Member Marketplace Inc., an Iowa small business with employees in Marion, Iowa City and Des Moines.

On Shop Iowa Day, the Shop Iowa marketplace will offer site-wide discounts at shopiowa.com/shop-iowa-day on items from apparel to home decor, among other merchandise, the company said in news release.

Also on that day, shoppers will have a chance to win a $500 Shop Iowa shopping spree grand prize, or one of four additional Shop Iowa gift cards; one-day markdowns from small businesses across the state; a $5 Shop Iowa gift card for every $25 gift card purchased; and free shipping specials by select business and local pickup where available.

“We recognize the importance of giving small businesses the visibility and support they need to succeed, which is why we created Shop Iowa,” said Debi Durham, executive director of Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Finance Authority.

“The online platform has positively impacted small businesses in all 99 counties across Iowa, and we look forward to building on that success with the first-annual Shop Iowa Day.”

Early deals will start at 6 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 11, and promotions will run until 11:59 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 12.

Member Marketplace, based in Marion, was launched in August 2020. At its debut, it included products from almost 150 Iowa stores, the IEDA said.