letterfromthepublisher B contact us


Publisher Jackie Flaherty


Editor Karen Adams


Design & Production Stephen Blancett Steven Hagewood


Layout


Sara Shrode Sales


Michelle Hamburger 651-600-0281


Multi-Market Advertising 239-449-8309


Franchise Sales 239-530-1377


lack Friday. Love it or hate it, the day after Thanks- giving is a big shopping day. In the past few years, the shopping start time has begun earlier and earli-


er until now, when it actually starts on Thanksgiving Day at some locations.


Consumerism is a fact of modern day life. To varying degrees, we need stuff. There’s much debate about how much we actually need but that’s not the focus today. As the holiday season approaches and many re- tailers make more than three or four times what they


normally take in, it’s a great time to question where we get stuff. Who are we supporting with our purchases? Big box retailers, such as Target and Walmart, or local, independent stores and mom-and-pop businesses, such as Moss Envy and Peapods? Yes, the prices are often higher at the independent locations. They don’t get the bulk-pricing discounts that the chains receive. But imagine a world with no independent shops. No unique items. Everything is the same, ev- erywhere you go. Who wants to live in that world? This month we have plenty of opportunities to support our local inde- pendents. If you have a favorite, I encourage you to shop there. If you don’t have one, please ask your friends to share theirs. Some of mine are: • SubText Bookstore, below Nina’s Coffee Café (both are favorites!) • Metamorphosis Center: an assortment of books and products • Moss Envy: eco-friendly alternatives to everyday products • Peapods: natural toys and baby care • Bibelot: as the website says, “whimsical, elegant and unexpected” For some people it’s all about the deal and saving the most money. But


often it’s worth it to pay a little more to support local retailers because we appreciate their presence in our community. Don’t get me wrong. I like to save money as much as the next person


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St. Paul, MN 55112 Phone: 763-270-8604 NaturalTwinCities.com


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4 NA Twin Cities Edition SUBSCRIPTIONS


does. But when I consider what I want my purchasing dollar to support, I choose the small business. I support this choice by belonging to Twin Cities MetroIBA, where businesses and citizen members meet monthly in a relaxed setting to learn about and support each other. I encourage you to learn more about this group and consider attending a meeting. They always meet the first Tuesday of the month from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at one of their member locations. Check out their website, BuyLocalTwinCities.com, for meeting locations in November and December. Maybe you’ve heard of cash mob (like a flash mob) where a random group of people coordinate a visit to a selected local brick-and-mortar in- dependent store and inject a fusion of cash, with each participant commit- ting to spending at least $20. Visit CashMob.com for more information. If you coordinate one or even attend one, let me know. Maybe I’ll come too! I give thanks for each of you reading this magazine, supporting it, sharing it and helping it grow by telling friends, visiting our advertisers and, most of all, for being you and shining your light in the world.


Shine on! Jackie Flaherty, Publisher NaturalTwinCities.com


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