As downtown Naperville began to twinkle with more than 300,000 tiny white lights on Nov. 9, patrons turned into many locally-owned independent businesses aglow for the upcoming season. Quigley’s Irish Pub, Dean’s Clothing, Russell’s Cleaners, Anderson’s Bookshop, Two Bostons, Heaven on Seven, Roseland Draperies and Interiors, to name a few, and dozens more that line the streets among national retailers have helped make downtown Naperville a bustling destination to whet every appetite.
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Inspired by Independent booksellers across the country who came together to unite like-minded businesses and independent thinkers, IndieBound-Naperville is a local movement to help promote awareness and the value of shopping locally every season of the year. From Ogden Avenue to Route 59 to Chicago Avenue to many shopping centers in between, this city thrives as independents shine.
Since October 2008, IndieBound-Naperville has been growing one merchant at a time with an exhibit of bright red signs that proclaim “Support local independent businesses.”
According to founder Becky Anderson, IndieBound Naperville represents “a passion that is pouring out of your locally-owned independent merchants and uniting kindred spirits everywhere in the common cause of keeping our city and our local culture thriving.”
Members of the community have embraced IndieBound Naperville to spread the word about the importance of shopping locally. For instance, for every $100 you spend at one of your local independent businesses, $68 will stay in the community compared to $43 that stays locally when you shop at a national chain.
Whenever possible, instead of shopping on the Internet, shop to support independently-owned businesses as well as other larger stores that employ local residents in the city, too. Also, look for creative art and products made locally such as those available at the Naperville Art League.
Hundreds of local independent businesses co-exist right here in Naperville, connected by their passion for independence and other independents.
For more information and/or the long list of IndieBound Naperville members, visit www.indieboundnaperville.org.
And watch for members of IndieBound Naperville in the Hometown Holidays Little Friends Parade of Lights when it steps off at 4:30PM Sat., Dec. 1.
Thanks for shopping, dining, banking and entertaining locally. Thanks for reading, too!
