You know that feeling when you buy a book? That little thrill of anticipation, knowing a new story or idea is about to become part of your life? Well, here’s something that might give you an even better feeling: understanding exactly where your money goes after you click “purchase” or hand over your card at the counter.
Let me take you on two very different journeys. Same book, same price, but wildly different destinations for your hard-earned cash.
The Amazon Route
You buy a $20 book from Amazon. That money leaves your local economy instantly. It travels to Seattle, gets divided among shareholders across the globe, funds server farms in other states, goes to executives you’ll never meet. It’s gone from your community. Poof.
The Curious Owl Route
Now let’s say you buy that same $20 book from us, either in our store or through our online shop.
That $20 has a completely different day ahead of it.
First, yes, about half of it goes to pay for the book itself (including paying the author!). That’s our cost of goods, and some of that does leave the area. But here’s where it gets interesting: the profit that stays with Curious Owl? It doesn’t teleport to Seattle. It stays right here, and it gets busy.
Let me get specific, because this is where the magic happens.
How It Actually Works
Here’s the thing about locally owned businesses: the profit first has to pay our bills to the landlord, utilities, and other regular business expenses. Whatever’s left becomes my income. And I live here. I shop here. I hire here. I invest here.
When we need our lawn mowed or our bathroom remodeled, we hire local contractors. When we’re ready to buy a car, we go to a local dealership. When we grab lunch during our shift, we’re eating at Barley’s on Main Street, where all the servers are local and tips make up a big part of their income. Those servers might buy produce at the Rutherford County Farmers Market in Forest City. The farmers use that income to get things they need, maybe a guitar lesson from Stan’s sister at B-Sharp Music on Main Street in Spindale. I’ve gotten my bike repaired at Grumpy’s Bike Shop and bought a new seat and helmet there. I bought a bench grinder from Tim at the pawn shop, who bought that bench grinder from a local person who needed money for something important in his life.
See how this works? The profit from your book purchase doesn’t disappear into a corporate black hole. It pays for groceries, car repairs, haircuts, rent payments, kids’ activities. And every one of those expenditures supports another local business, which supports another, and another.
The Multiplier Effect
Economists call this the local multiplier effect. For every dollar spent at a local business, approximately 67 cents stays in the local economy. For every dollar spent at a chain or online retailer? Only about 43 cents, often much less.
But here’s what really matters: 100% of Amazon’s profit goes to distant shareholders. Our profit becomes our income, and we spend it right here. When business is good and we can save up for a house down payment, that means a local real estate agent, home inspector, and moving company all benefit. When we buy a new car or pay for our kids’ activities or hire an accountant, that money stays local.
The Ripple Effect
When you buy a book from us (even from our online store), you’re doing more than buying a book. You’re contributing to our ability to pay employees, hire local help when we need it, and make purchases from other local businesses. Those employees and contractors do the same with their money. It creates a ripple effect of economic activity that strengthens the whole community.
The Real Bottom Line
Look, I get it. Sometimes Amazon has the better price or the only copy of an obscure book you need. I’m not here to guilt anyone.
But when you can choose to buy from Curious Owl, whether in person or online, know that you’re making a choice that extends beyond getting a good book. You’re keeping money working in your community. You’re supporting not just one business but strengthening the economic foundation of the place you call home.
When your neighbor needs work, local businesses have the resources to hire them. When a kid is saving up for something important, there are local opportunities to earn money. Money doesn’t just flow out to distant corporate headquarters. It circulates, multiplies, and creates connections.
Every book you buy from us is a small investment in the economic health of this place we all share. And honestly? I think that’s just as satisfying as the book itself.
So next time you’re about to buy a book, I hope you’ll think about taking that dollar on the more scenic route. The one that winds through our community, touching lives and creating opportunities along the way.
The journey makes all the difference.
