Rugged Pursuit
Withdraw to the Wilderness
4 Benefits of Local Bookstores
Recently, another locally owned bookshop closed down in my city. While that is sad news, for many reading this, it probably is not shocking news. This has been a trend for years. With the ease and affordability of online shopping, it is becoming increasingly difficult for independently owned stores to compete.
There are a few reasons that consumers have shifted their shopping habits towards an almost exclusively online experience. First, rather than driving in their car across town and walking the aisles, they can browse thousands of titles at a time on their smartphone from the comfort of their home, and never leave the couch. Also, there is the advantage of potential money savings. In some cases, online retailers can offer cheaper products by buying their books in bulk from publishers and distributors, thus making the price for the online shopper lower. Online retailers also boast of faster delivery, given that they have the ability to ship from several different warehouses in multiple states.
So, there are some things to gain by shopping online. But let us also consider what we are losing when we don’t shop at brick-and-mortar bookshops. We should now consider the many reasons why shopping in-store can be incredibly beneficial to you, your local community, and the world!
Here are just four of the many reasons shopping at locally owned bookstores is important and beneficial:
1. Support for the Local Economy
When you shop at a locally owned bookstore, your money stays within the community. These businesses are often smaller and independently operated, which means the revenue generated from your purchase directly supports the local economy. This, in turn, helps create jobs, sustain local businesses, and fosters economic growth in the area.
According to the American Independent Business Alliance, on average, 48% of each purchase at local independent businesses was recirculated locally, compared to less than 14% of purchases at chain stores. The Institute for Local Self-Reliance conducted a test in several small communities. Their study found that $100 spent at local independents generated $45 of local spending, compared to just $14 for a big-box chain.
When you shop at local, independently owned small businesses, your money isn’t going towards buying a wealthy corporate CEO another house boat to sail to their private island paradise. Instead, your money sponsors tee-ball teams in your neighborhood, Girl Scout troops in your city, and 4-H county fair clubs. It buys new glasses for a store clerk’s son and braces for their daughter. Your dollar gets passed along to homeless shelters and at-risk-families in your town. Your hard earned money makes a huge impact on your local community when it stays in your local community.
“Your hard earned money makes a huge impact ON your local community when it stays IN your local community.”
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2. Unique and Diverse Selection
Local bookstores tend to curate their selections based on the interests and preferences of their community and their shoppers. As a result, they often offer a more diverse and unique range of books compared to larger chain stores. You can find books by local authors, niche genres, and titles that may not be as readily available in bigger commercial stores, who tend to focus mainly on the newest releases or top-sellers.
3. Personalized Recommendations
Local bookstore owners and staff are passionate about books and have an in-depth knowledge of their store’s inventory. They are often avid readers, therefore can offer personalized recommendations based on your interests and reading preferences, leading to more enjoyable and meaningful book discoveries. You can tell a store clerk what books you have read lately and they can tell you which title comes next in the series, or recommend another author they think would spark your interest.
Bookstore owners and workers are truly experts that know their products inside and out. They can explain the difference between imitation leather, bonded leather, and genuine leather. They can give you special insider insight about products because they have used them themselves. They not only will help you pick out the perfect journal, but they will also show you exactly which pen writes best, has waterproof ink, and won’t bleed through your pages. A bookstore clerk can turn your mundane shopping errand into a positive and informative experience.
“A bookstore clerk can turn your mundane shopping errand into a positive and informative experience.”
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4. Community Gathering Spaces
Local Bookstores are a “Third Place“. What is that, you ask? Well, let me explain: Your first place is where you live. Your second place is where you work. Third places are anywhere you go frequently, that are not the first two. This could be places like churches, coffee shops, fitness centers, and especially, bookstores! Your third place should be somewhere social and relaxing. It is a place where you can be around other people who share a common interest. It may be a place where you catch up with old friends, meet new ones, or can feel free to just be present without the obligation to be productive. The idea of a third place comes from the book “The Great Good Place” by sociologist Ray Oldenburg. You can purchase his book online at a deep discount by clicking HERE… Just kidding. There is no link. Go ask for a copy at your local bookstore!
Independent bookstores often serve as community hubs as well. Since many bookstores have coffee shops and cafes located inside, this gives them the extra space to open up their store for group events and gatherings. My local bookstore has kids events throughout the year that allow children and their families to come make a craft, eat baked goods, listen to a story, play games, and other fun activities. Bookstores host book clubs, author readings and signings, informative classes, and other local events. These gatherings provide opportunities for like-minded individuals to connect and unwind, fostering a sense of community and intellectual exchange.
In summary, shopping at small, locally owned bookstores is not just about buying books; it’s about investing in the well-being of your community, fostering a vibrant literary culture, and supporting independent businesses with unique offerings and personalized services.
The next time you find yourself in need of a text book for school, a relaxing summer read for your upcoming vacation, or a warm love story for the long, cold winter months, take a stroll to your local corner bookshop. They will know just the thing!
9.1.23
Additional Resources:
*Don’t have a local, independent bookstore in your area? You are not alone. Indie Bookstore Finder can help you find the closest independent bookstore to you based off your location. However, be aware that not all independent retailers are listed on their site.
*Is there absolutely no way you can visit an independent bookstore in-person? There is a way to shop online for the titles you want, and still buy from local bookstores closest to you. Check out Get it Local, Today! and Bookshop.org. This might be the next best alternative. Every purchase on their site supports independent bookstores.
*The Local Multiplier Effect, by the AMIBA. Read the full PDF report here.
*Cover image features Fallen Leaf Books, Nashville, Indiana
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Rugged Pursuit 
It’s very good to support small businesses. I would say in a way used bookstores and thriftstores are better than online shopping. You can find books that are out-of-print or rare for lower prices. Some books I have picked up at thriftstores or used bookstores are so rare I can find only 1 copy online. Sometimes I don’t find any online!
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