Dana Hodge is outspoken about his opposition to corporate America: He doesn’t own a computer and refuses to shop at big-box stores such as Walmart.
“I’m probably the last person on the planet that doesn’t own a computer,” he said. “I don’t do anything online. I always buy locally.”
Hodge was one of many customers scouring the shelves at Maria’s Bookshop on Small Business Saturday. The movement, launched in 2010 by American Express, attempts to bolster sales at smaller retailers around the country.
Making a purchase at a locally owned store contributes to the local economy by creating jobs and supporting the town’s tax base. It also has a domino effect because most local businesses purchase from one another, thereby recirculating money.
Before the rise of computer-based, geographic information systems, Hodge worked as a cartographer, manually scribing lines on maps.
“I lost my job because of a computer,” he said. “I know many people who buy things online, and I always tell them they are killing local business.”
Maria’s Bookshop celebrated Small Business Saturday – also known as Indies First Day in the independent bookstore world – by inviting local authors to work as booksellers for the day.
“We have 11 or 12 local authors here recommending their favorite books and authors to customers,” said Roger Cottingham, community relations manager for Maria’s Bookshop. “Customers get 15 percent off their purchase if they buy one.”
Additionally, customers can receive 50 percent off more than 60 audiobooks through Libro.fm, a partner of the American Booksellers Association. Audiobooks purchased through Libro.fm directly support Maria’s Bookshop.
Cottingham said it is important to celebrate “the sense of independence” that goes along with small businesses.
“We are such a destination place for people to find books, find out what’s happening in town and meet new people,” he said.
Urban Market owner Danielle Chick said big-box businesses change the dynamic of a town.
“We have such a supportive community,” she said. “With online competition these days, it is important for people to realize what small businesses do for the community. We are proud to be a part of this community.”
Urban Market is offering 30 percent off all pillows and free gift wrapping in celebration of Small Business Saturday.
Wendy Ouellette, on vacation with her husband from the Canadian Province of New Brunswick, heard about Small Business Saturday while staying in Pagosa Springs.
She said that they made a point to visit Durango to support its small businesses.
“We read a little about this day and decided to come visit for the day,” she said. “I am not a mall person. I love to support local, so this is fun for me.”
Ouellette said small businesses give a town its “flavor.”
“These businesses really give you an idea of what the town is about,” she said.
Rustic home-decor store Tippy Canoe also celebrated Small Business Saturday with 20 percent off American-made furniture and other items storewide.
Owner Sharon Taylor said having local support is vital to the success of any store.
“Tourists are great, but locals are your cake,” she said. “Tourists are like the icing on that cake. If you don’t have locals, you don’t have anything. Support your locals and local businesses, and they will support you.”
mrupani@durangoherald.com
