We had a maddening call the other day from someone who wanted to know if we had a book on our shelves. When we didn't (5 MILLION books in print!!) and offered to get it, the response was "oh, I can do that from Amazon." Grr! Fortunately, it doesn't happen too often (or we wouldn't still be here).
We don't have anything against Amazon -- people are free to shop where they like -- but this person didn't understand the value of a local, independent business. We can get books just as fast. Plus you get to touch, see and smell them -- a benefit to a true booklover. And see what we do besides:
1) When you shop at an independently owned business, our entire community benefits. Spend $100 at a local and $68 of that stays in our community. Spend the same $100 at a national chain, and our community only sees $43.
2) Local businesses create higher-paying jobs for our neighbors.
3) More taxes are reinvested in our community--where they belong.
Plus: shopping local is greener. 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 our community.
And even further: 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. HearthFire Books has given away thousands of dollars - through donations, gift certificates, teacher and senior discounts - in just a few years to organizations and individuals throughout the foothills area. And we're a small store.
Finally, we keep hearing about diversity in our ecosystems, and how lack of diversity is a serious obstacle to staying healthy. Well, it's the same for a local economy. Do we want Evergreen to look like Anytown, USA? Don't think so . . .
So maybe next time that person (or someone like her) will choose to place an order with us -- and benefit us all.
More independents means more choice, more diversity, and a truly unique community.
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