This Saturday, November 30, is Small Business Saturday, a day that independent bookstores celebrate as Indies First– a day that reminds us to prioritize independent bookstores for holiday shopping and year-round. Shopping locally and independently strengthens communities, reduces carbon footprints, and helps keep our neighborhoods unique and thriving.
When the bomb cyclone hit the Pacific Northwest, the power outages impacted many small businesses, including bookstores that were closed for days during what should be the busiest time of year in retail. In my area, I know that Third Place Books, Brick and Mortar Books, and Island Books lost precious days to power outages. What other stores had to be closed? Share them in the comments so readers can show them extra love.
Below is a letter from Third Place Books’ managing partner, Robert Sindelar, about ways to support his store and other businesses that lost sales during the power outages.
Thank you for supporting independent businesses to keep local treasures like Third Place Books in our communities.
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Dear Third Place Customers,
Like many of us in the greater Seattle area, our Lake Forest Park store lost power last week after the powerful bomb cyclone that swept through Western Washington. We had to close for almost four days during a critical season for retailers—bookstores in particular.
Those lost sales are always tough. But at this time of year, when holiday shopping is kicking into gear, losing those four days is devastating to a local business.
Some customers and friends of the store have asked if there are ways to help. Here’s what you can do.
Buy a gift card for yourself, a family member, or your favorite teacher.
Make a donation to our Books to Students Fund. This fund supports students by donating books to Shoreline, Northgate, and Seattle public school districts as well as local literacy nonprofits organizations.
Or simply come into the store to shop—we’d love to see you.
Also, if there are other local stores that you love and care about that lost power for days this past week, please consider supporting them with gift card purchases as well.
Restaurants that closed were hit particularly hard. Their employees lost days of tips. Many lost all their inventory and are still struggling to recover[…]
As we all reflect on things we are thankful for this week, I will be thinking about how lucky I am to work and live with such an amazing community of readers.
All the best to our Third Place Community,
Robert Sindelar
Managing Partner, Third Place Books
