On Saturday, April 19, independently owned record stores around the world took part in the first annual Record Store Day, a celebration of the culture of indie record stores and the unique place that they occupy in their local communities and nationally. By all accounts, the day was a huge success.
Like so many towns across the country today, Kalamazoo, Michigan's local economy is hurting. Only recently, the Pfizer drug company pulled up stakes and left; National City Corp. is laying off employees; there's a lack of available jobs; and though there are three colleges in town, the community and its businesses are feeling the pinch of tough times.
But while Kalamazoo's economy may be stagnant, the area's independent retailers are not.
After two years of opposition, Wal-Mart has withdrawn plans to open a supercenter in Hamilton, Montana. "They cited economic conditions and a strategic plan into which we no longer fit, but I know that if we hadn't put up strong opposition for two years, they'd be open today," said Russ Lawrence, owner of Hamilton's Chapter One Book Store and ABA president.
A recently released Civic Economics study commissioned by Local First Arizona reveals that public procurement from a local supplier generates "dramatically greater local economic activity" than procurement from a chain business. Previous Civic Economics studies examining the economic impact of locally owned independent versus chain stores have found similar results.
Beginning with optimism and ending with a standing ovation from the approximately 500 attendees, the Winter Institute keynote discussion on Shop Local and related movements was a fascinating overview about the importance of building alliances among locally owned independent businesses and changing consumers' mindsets regarding the importance of a healthy local economy.
As major chains report weak holiday sales, a nationwide survey of 1,382 independent retailers, including members of the American Booksellers Association, has found that a desire to support locally owned businesses is emerging as a factor in people's shopping choices.
The survey, which included retailers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., found that, even in a difficult economic climate, many independent retailers are holding their own and even seeing sales gains by emphasizing their local ownership and community roots.
The American Booksellers Association has updated its list of notable titles about the importance of building and strengthening vibrant local economies. First compiled in September 2006, the new list features 26 titles, 12 accompanied by recommendations from independent booksellers nationwide.
In an effort to assess how independent businesses fared this holiday season, the American Booksellers Association has teamed up with several other organizations representing independent businesses to conduct an Independent Business Holiday Sales Trends Survey. ABA is asking its bookseller-members to take a few moments now to complete the survey, which features just four simple questions and should take no longer than two minutes to complete.
On November 29 and 30, several independent trade organizations, including the American Booksellers Association, met for an "Independent Trades Summit" in Washington, D.C. The gathering provided the associations with an opportunity to discuss common goals and challenges specific to independent retailers and businesses. Industries represented at the summit included bookselling, toys, gifts, bicycles, hardware, pharmacies, and office products.
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Like so many towns across the country today, Kalamazoo, Michigan's local economy is hurting. Only recently, the Pfizer drug company pulled up stakes and left; National City Corp. is laying off employees; there's a lack of available jobs; and though there are three colleges in town, the community and its businesses are feeling the pinch of tough times. 
Beginning with optimism and ending with a standing ovation from the approximately 500 attendees, the Winter Institute keynote discussion on Shop Local and related movements was a fascinating overview about the importance of building alliances among locally owned independent businesses and changing consumers' mindsets regarding the importance of a healthy local economy.