In Akron, Ohio another independent bookstore bites the big one because of the opening of a Borders and the store owner seems to accept his fate without too much fuss.

“Borders is a response to customer demand. There’s nothing evil about it, it’s just business,'’ he said.

The article from Akron’s Beacon Journal points to a 2002 study done by Civic Economics concerning the introduction of chain stores into the economy of Austin, TX. The analysis showed that “For every $100 spent at Borders, only $13 makes a local impact, compared to $45 for the same amount spent at a locally owned store.”

The same organization did a similar, more extensive, study in 2004 based on Chicago’s own Andersonville neighborhood.

In a study comparing the economic impact of ten Andersonville businesses and their chain competitors, it was found that:

Locally-owned businesses generate a substantial Local Premium in enhanced economic impact.

• For every $100 in consumer spending with a local firm, $68 remains in the Chicago economy.
• For every $100 in consumer spending with a chain firm, $43 remains in the Chicago economy.

You can’t argue with numbers. You just can’t. Numbers use nunchucks.

Also of interest:

1. Interview with a partner of Civic Economics.
2. The Village Voice covers Laura Miller’s new book, Reluctant Capitalists.
3. Guardian Unlimited’s Stephen Moss on independent bookshops.

[And… for the curious and impatient among you, a new bookstore post will be up by the end of the week soon.]

For some reason, perhaps because of the release of Reluctant Capitalists: Bookselling and the Culture of Consumption by Laura Miller, many have been chiming in on this debate.

Here’s how things are shaping up so far:

“What Are Independent Bookstores Really Good For? Not much.” By Tyler Cowen

Patronizing indies helps us think we are more literary or more offbeat than is often the case…when it comes to providing simple access to the products you want, the superstores often do a better job of it than the small stores do: Borders and Barnes & Noble negotiate bigger discounts from publishers and have superior computer-driven inventory systems.

“Why Go Independent?” by Corey Mesler

Why shop independent and locally owned when the big-box stores have a better selection? The answer is: to keep your dollars in your community.

“Jessa Crispin Says Quit Griping About Where to Buy Books,” by Jessa Crispin

Insisting that book-buyers’ retailer decision must, or should, be one-or-the-other is hardly realistic. Of course, it does keep the debate alive—infinitely and uselessly.

3125 N Broadway St
Chicago, IL 60657 (map)

Store owner John Flowers hopes to be up and running by the end of May 2006.

Click here for the post about his original location.