WHY SHOP INDIE?

Keaton & Lloyd is one of the hundreds of incredible independent bookshops doing business in the U.S. Established in 2021, it may surprise people that such a business would open in the digital age.

However, it's important to analyze the ongoing trends in bookselling and reading that justify the existence of (in fact, the need for) indie bookstores.

Each time you shop at K&L or Bookshop.org, as opposed to Amazon or another major internet source, you benefit CNY in the following ways:

You kept dollars in our economy. An independent bookstore recirculates 28 percent of its money locally, whereas Amazon only recirculates four percent.
You supported authors in our community who often would not be able to get a major retailer to carry their work or host them for an event.
You embraced what makes us unique. You wouldn’t want your house to look like everyone else’s in the U.S. So why would you want your community to look that way?
You created local jobs. Local businesses are better at creating higher-paying jobs for our neighbors.
You helped the environment. Buying from local businesses conserves fuel for transportation and requires less packaging. K&L also works hard to reuse and recycle the packing products we do receive.
You nurtured community. We know you, and you know us. Studies have shown that local businesses donate to community causes at more than twice the rate of chains and online retailers. Each year, K&L donates hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars to some of the Mohawk Valley's awesome charitable causes.
You conserved your tax dollars. Shopping in a local business district means less infrastructure, less maintenance, and more money available to beautify our community. Also, spending locally instead of online ensures that your sales taxes are reinvested where they belong—right here in Rome!
You created more choice. We pick the items we sell based on what we know you like and want. Local businesses carry a wider array of unique products because we buy for our own individual market.
You made us (and Rome) a destination. The more interesting and unique we are as a community, the more we will attract new neighbors and visitors. This benefits everyone!
You helped Rome feel welcoming! K&L works hard to offer representation to minority groups.