Local markets give Internet competition

March 14, 2009
11:00 P.M.
Somerset, PA
By Don Sikes | dons@dorymaust.com

Not everyone has a computer, and believe it or not, not every town has a bookstore. Following a write-up in Somerset, Pennsylvania’s “Daily American” newspaper about “Blood Stained: When No One Comes Looking” on March 3, 2009 which cited the only means of purchasing author Dory Maust’s books was via online bookstores, there was a local ruckus. It’s simply not true. Mrs. Maust’s books are also available through all major bookstores and can be ordered through them if they are out of stock.

However, it was true for Somerset; aside from a few used traders and a Christian bookstore, there is an absence of B. Dalton, Barnes and Noble, Borders or any privately owned brick-and-mortars selling unused books. After receiving a slew of “How-do-I-buy-around-here?” emails following that article, the Maust camp took action. Most people asking were uncomfortable buying online or the thought of driving thirty miles to Johnstown was unnerving. The real solution was bridged by people who had read the newspaper but were without computers and ventured into Steinkirchner’s Listie Economy Store asking its owners for information.

Mr. and Mrs. Maust spent a harrowing day canvassing ambiguous territory: local markets. As of today Steinkirchner’s Listie Economy Store is stocked with not only autographed copies of “Blood Stained” but also all of Mrs. Maust’s other titles. Other local residents were eager to express their frustration over forced book and CD Internet sales due to the absence of book and music stores in Somerset. They are now fervent advocates on Mrs. Maust’s behalf.

It doesn’t end there; this is not just in Somerset, Pennsylvania. A slow but growing interest in this solution is spreading among the most unsuspecting markets nationwide: little town outlets. Small business owners want big products, particularly in this economy. If major grocery store chains can pick up CD’s, books and magazines, why can’t Mom-and-Pop’s? They can.

Quote:

“It was a long day; I felt like we were campaigning,” said Dory Maust. “But they asked and we delivered; I feel really good about that. Everyone seems to be forgetting about the small businesses in the Stimulus Bill. All you hear about are big lenders and the automobile industry. Plus, I met a lot of really great people today.”

A special notice for Somerset, Pennsylvania readers has been posted on Mrs. Maust’s website: www.dorymaust.com