In 2003, Inkwood Books gathered together 20 other independent Tampa retailers to host 
events and activities that promoted shopping at locally-owned businesses. This year, the American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA) took up the cause with gusto and Independents Week is a nationwide and growing force. In addition to the Tampa, there are activities in Utah, North Carolina, Texas, New York, Nebraska and California. Several business in Arizona offer 20% off coupons to encourage local shopping this week.
Why is local shopping so important? The AMIBA states that dollars spent in local businesses stick around your community three times longer than those given to a chain. The American Booksellers Association, via the Indiebound website, gives specific reasons for shopping at your local businesses:
The Economy: Spend $100 at a local and $68 of that stays in your community. Spend the same $100 at a national chain, and your community only sees $43. Local businesses create higher-paying jobs for our neighbors. More of your taxes are reinvested in your community–where they belong.
The Environment: Buying local means less packaging, less transportation, and a smaller carbon footprint. Shopping in a local business district means less infrastructure, less maintenance, and more money to beautify your community.
The Community: Local retailers are your friends and neighbors—support them and they’ll support you. Local businesses donate to charities at more than twice the rate of national chains. More independents means more choice, more diversity, and a truly unique community.
Of course, here at Bookstore People, we advocate always shopping at your local bookstore, in our opinion the crown jewel of independents. To celebrate both Independents Week and independent bookstores, my3books is hosting a contest, tell them your favorite independent bookstore and the winning store receives a signed set of the Twilight series. Show some love to your favorite store and enter it.
Make an effort this week to track how much of your shopping is done at local businesses. Even better, spend your holiday dollars with an independent business while celebrating the 4th of July.
Tags: Independents Week, shop locally
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