With the abundance of chain stores, local businesses are sometimes forgotten. However, they should not be overlooked. Imagine walking down Water Street in Excelsior, and instead of Lick’s, Minnetonka Music, and The Dock lining the street, Dairy Queen, Guitar Center, and AMC Theaters loomed over you. The atmosphere would be significantly different. Not only do local stores provide a friendly feel, they also benefit your community. To get an inside perspective, I talked to Ann Nye and Ellie Temple, owners of Excelsior Bay Books, about the importance of shopping local.

One major benefit of local businesses, Ann and Ellie say, is the personal nature of the stores. Through their bookstore, “you get to know the customers and feel part of a community” explains Ellie. They both recall how adults who came to their bookstore as kids tell them it was their favorite place growing up because it felt cozy, like home, an atmosphere you don’t find often in large “big box” stores. “Great big stores can be intimidating,” says Ann, “here we do our best [to find the books you are looking for]— and we have time to chat.”

Local businesses are also able to offer more products and services that are specific to their community. Rather than large franchises which each stock the same goods, Excelsior Bay Books can supply books based on the community’s tastes. “We like to stock books that maybe aren’t a bestseller, but the quality is just as good. We like to find the great story.”

Independent businesses also have a large impact on their communities. When you spend money in a chain store, only about 40 percent remains in your community. However, about 70 percent of locally spent money stays in your community to be used for expanding the businesses. The local tax money they pay then goes to improving community schools, police departments, and other needs.  Local businesses are also just plain convenient: Rather than battling road rage and traffic lights on the way to the mall, your local indie stores are just a short bike ride or walk away.