IndieBound: Support for storefront retailers

My thoughts about “buy indie” programs are pretty well defined. I’m not a big fan of sites that make  unachievable promises like high Google rankings, streams of new customers, and exponentially increased revenue-—especially when they ask retailers to pay a hefty fee to participate (see here). I do, however, stand behind programs that support stores through online referrals, set realistic goals, and provide materials that can be used to build campaigns from the grass roots up.

Enter stage right: The American Booksellers Association, arguably the king of the mountain when it comes to promoting independent brick and mortars. Their website, IndieBound.org, is not only info-packed, but hyper-hip in that hyper-hip-but-safe-for-middle-agers kind of way.

Their commitment to building locally owned, storefront retail is unparalleled. Although the main focus is bookstores, they don’t discriminate…and they do get the job done. Among the first to hit the ground running for this cause, the ABA hasn’t slowed one whit since the race began.

From their FAQ page:

Why support independents?
When you shop at an independently-owned business, your entire community benefits:
- Spend $100 at a local store 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.
- 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.
- 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.

Admittedly, the numbers don’t track for gift, stationery, or home decor, but that’s because the margins are different (these are a bit high by comparison).

What really snagged me was “IndieBound to Go,” linked on a tab in the top menu. There, retailers can register (for free) to gain access to a plethora of cool promotional material, including posters, bumper stickers, decals, flyers, and t-shirts that support independent retail. The paper stuff can be reproduced locally, some with your store name, as long as the uses conform to their license agreement.

Unfortunately, the best item-—the “Here’s what you did” poster-—doesn’t work well for non-bookstores, but…with enough prodding, I’d be happy to design one for RetailSpeaks members that would fit. Gratis. Just for you, my fine feathered friends.

We’re also working toward getting your stores listed on the IndieBound site. Check your email for info.

I’ve been watching the ABA, amiba (American Independent Business Alliance), and BALLE (Business Alliance for Local Living Economies) for a couple of years now. While there are other players in the game, none have come as far or are as well developed as these three. All are completely committed to supporting brick and mortar retailers-—not internet-only and home based businesses. These folks don’t just talk the talk; they walk the walk, and they walk it proud.

Take a spin through their site. Look at the options they offer. I think you’ll be impressed.