Even if you aren’t in Pittsburgh, you can support local businesses by shopping their websites.  One of the interesting (and I think exciting things) about the internet is that it allows the smaller shops a way to compete with some of the conveniences of bigger shops.  Sometimes it is just easier to order books online – but you can buy those books from local book shops.  I usually check out Abe Books which lets you search lots of local shops from one site.

I read this article, Saving Broadway Books, last year in Inc. Magazine.  The recession was catching up to this local Portland, Oregon book shop – which the owner mentioned to her son Aaron who was living in CA.  He sent out an email to friends explaining that he would buy a burrito for anyone that spent $50 or more at the book shop.  Actually I think he started with a post on Twitter – the story caught on and people started showing up to Broadway books. In the end most people declined the free burritos and many were donated to the Portland Rescue mission.  You can read a summary about all of this on Aaron’s blog here. Continue reading →