There is much talk about supporting indie bookstores for the simple fact that they need our dollars to keep the lights on. Without them, writers and readers will be cheated out of choice as big chains choose what we read by making available their choices, not ours.  And this is a very good reason in and of itself, but there’s another reason, too.

I strongly believe that globalization is going to be the ruin of the economy, and unless we do something soon, we’re in for dire times. Shopping local is one of the best ways to get control of our financial system. And when you buy books at a local, independent book store, you are not only supporting the store, but the whole local economy. Did you know that studies have shown if you spend $100 at a local bookstore, $45 will stay in the local economy?* However, if you spent $100 at a chain, only $13 stays local! Three times as much money stays right in your neighbourhood, town or city when you shop local.

Are you wondering why? Here are a few reasons. Independent bookstores (and small businesses) are way more likely to use local accountants, lawyers, banks, and other professional services than large corporations are. They also advertise locally in newspapers and on radio and television. In addition, they support local sports teams, schools, and other causes.

Shopping indie really does double duty – you support the small bookstore, which needs all the help it can get, and you are keeping dollars in your community. So, why don’t we all hit our favourite indie today buy a book, or two…or three?

Happy Reading!

*This fact came from the documentary The Economics of Happiness, which I highly recommend you check out if you get the chance. It’s about an hour long, and you can see it on youtube. Here’s the trailer. The movie is actually more upbeat than you might first think!