Mrs. Nelson's Toy and Book Shop

What I love about Locals

Before I leap up on my soapbox, (fair warning - usually you’d have to know me pretty well to hit one of my hot button topics), let me point out that although I now have a vested interest in keeping local businesses viable, this personal passion goes back many years. I can go on ad infinitum about what local businesses mean to your community, your local economy, and the environment. Presumably most of you are already aware of these things and bright enough to decide how much you’d like to contribute to your community.

This is really more of an homage to what is terrific about local businesses on a personal level, and the pangs one would have if they went away. I do not manage to shop locally exclusively, but I do a pretty fair share of it. I used to live in a fairly small town. There was a tiny mall and a little downtown and lots of family owned businesses. We lived in an 80-year-old foursquare and did normal repairs and work on it, as well as gardening. We favored a local family chain of hardware/lumber stores. They were close, they answered questions, and if they did not have an item, they’d find something close or special order it. They delivered!

Then the SuperStore arrived (you know who I mean). The SuperStore made a point of undercutting prices on just about anything my local company sold. Within four months, the local business could only sell lumber. In a sad but kindly way they’d point out that I could get product X up at the SuperStore. But guess what? The SuperStore really didn’t want to sell me parts for a 50-year-old toilet. They just didn’t want the competition. So shortly after the local family business closed, SuperStore was not selling a lot of those products. SuperStore advised me to install a new toilet. I ended up driving 42 miles to buy parts.

When we first moved to California I used a movie rental service. You make a giant list, and then they come in the mail. In 4 years I watched exactly four movies, and lost one. But I joined my local independent video store which has a competitive price and a decent selection. More importantly, the staff knows my daughter and me to the point that they suggest films for us. Currently we are on a Hitchcock kick, which will be followed by all the Hitchcock satire and spoof films. They will special order videos for us to purchase as gifts. How can we not love this store?

One day we noticed a sale on reconditioned turntables at the place where we pick up the free indie newspapers, not an outrageous investment on these turntables. And if you’re over 40 you probably still have loads of vinyl somewhere. We stop in at Rhino for vinyl periodically, as well as for CDs for the daughter. We have major vinyl lust when we head into Hollywood and a must-stop is at Amoeba Records, where the divide and conquer rule applies. Then major negotiations take place over the budget and who can spend how much. But we always leave pretty happy with tons of music.

As for the food products, I love my farmer's market. I really try to go every week. It is fun to have someone explain what some of the unusual items are and how to prepare them. I would describe myself as someone who has eaten almost everything, and yet I still find new things or variations when I go. When was the last time someone asked you questions about what you like, and then selected a melon that you never heard of because it would appeal? Or suggested you avoid one because it was reminiscent of guava (which I actually don’t like much).

What does this have to do with books? Simply this, if you bring your kids into our store, we probably know a little bit about them and about your family. We may even know when potty training was finally successful for your college student. If your 8-year-old is the rare boy that doesn’t appreciate potty humor or graphics, we know the perfect books for him. If your 11-year-old daughter can read at a 12th grade level but wants a book without mature content (“except for maybe the swears, that’s not too bad.”*), we can help you out. If I’ve seen your son go from Captain Underpants to shaving, I will have something for him to sneak read in Biology. And if it is a book that isn’t on hand, we’ll move heaven and earth to find it for you. Contrast that with my mom’s experience at a giant bookstore:

Mom: “I can’t find Cat’s Cradle by Vonnegut. Can you tell me where it is?”

Clerk: “You must have the title wrong. What’s the author’s name?”

Mom: “Vonnegut.”

Clerk: “How do spell that?”

Mom: “The same way it is on that giant poster above your head.”

Clerk: “We’re out.”

And last I checked, no one online could answer any of my customers’ requests from above.

If you appreciate real answers, if you appreciate thoughtful assistance and suggestions, I would recommend that you make a point of visiting some of your local businesses each month. You will be much happier. Your schools and community will love the tax dollars. (I am sure you duly track and report all of your online purchases and write a check at the end of the year, but local businesses are turning that money in each month—with no effort on your part.)

The folks at those local businesses would really love to see you as well. I bet they miss you terribly.

*Direct quote