Dear Reader,
 
Normally around this time of year, I share with you all the books that have engrossed, charmed, or educated me.  And next time, I will, but please allow me to take a moment to slightly rant, preach, and hopefully motivate you.  Though, mostly what I would like to do is thank you.
 
What is my provocation?  That large, monopolizing, controlling internet retailer that you may have heard of is launching another one of their programs on July 12th so that you buy everything and anything from them.  Yes, it is easy and yes, they have everything but the ultimate price for all that- is it worth it?
 
Economists love efficiency.  They find lowering prices for consumers to be complete nirvana.  I understand that, of course, but there can be a harmful cost for  lower prices:  reducing jobs, reducing salaries, or reducing services provided... all good at some macro level until you lose your job or your pay is cut or all the small businesses in your community have disappeared and there is no longer a center of town.
 
Over the last 26 years,  R.J. Julia  has donated almost $1,500,000 in books, discounts, or cash to organizations within our community.  One little bookstore in one little town. This isn't just what R.J. Julia has done - it is what small businesses do all over our state and all over our country.   Small businesses remain tied to their communities, employing local people, spending local dollars, but most importantly, they prosper and thrive in tandem with their community- they are not corporations who just happen to be located in any-town-USA.  They are corporations that care more about their global community, their next earnings - not their local neighborhood.  There are obviously corporate exceptions and we have some fine examples in our state, but it is truly small businesses that are part of the natural fabric of our communities.
 
The facts support this.  When you shop at an independently-owned business, your entire community benefits:*
  • Spend $100 at a local business 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 independent bookstores means more choice, more diversity, and a truly unique community.
On July 12th when Amazon is attempting to seduce you, we will celebrate what WE (our community and R.J. Julia) have created: a place that cares for one another.  On July 12th, 10% of all our sales (both in-store and online) will be distributed to non-profits in our community.  I hope you will show your support and help us make a statement and a difference.
 
Thank you for your continued enthusiasm and loyalty, which allows all of us at R.J. Julia to be proud members of our community.  Madison is still a center, a place where one sees friends and neighbors, goes to the (independent!) movie theater, dines in wonderful establishments, has (local!) ice cream and wanders into the bookstore to enjoy the profound pleasure of exploring and discovering the book that could change your life - or at a minimum, charm and engage you.

We thank you for your continued support and allowing us the privilege of supporting our local community.  We couldn't be here without you.

See you in the store,

Roxanne J. Coady

P.S.  About that local ice cream:  join us as we scoop free Ashley's ice cream for YOU- our community.  Please stop by from 1:00-4:00pm on Tuesday, July 12th.  We'll see you then!

*courtesy of the American Booksellers Association


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R.J. Julia Booksellers
768 Boston Post Road
Madison, CT 06443
(203) 245-3959 or 800-74-READS