Charlie Roller/Jon-Marc Foreman / Full360 Reporters

The recent openings of Barnes & Noble and Target in Doylestown have sparked discussions about their potential impact on local small businesses, including cherished establishments like Busy Bee Toys and The Doylestown Bookshop.

While big-box national retailers offer convenience and a wide array of products, their presence raises concerns about the sustainability of independently owned shops that contribute to the town’s unique character.

“When people stop coming into town and do all of their shopping at big box stores, that impacts me and the whole community and that means that the vibrancy of seeing people strolling and walking around with bags is lost,” said Nerice Kendter, owner of BusyBee Toys in Doylestown.

Local business owners have expressed mixed feelings regarding the arrival of these retail giants. Some believe that increased foot traffic to the area could benefit all retailers, while others worry about the competition affecting their sales. The Doylestown Bookshop, for instance, has long been a community hub for literary enthusiasts, offering personalized recommendations and hosting local events. Similarly, Busy Bee Toys provides a curated selection of unique and educational toys that differ from mass-market offerings.

Kendter said, “They affect me greatly. Because both of those stores carry toys, and this is a toy store.”

The importance of shopping locally cannot be overstated, local shoppers say. For every $100 spent at local shops, approximately $67 stays within the community, supporting local wages, taxes, and other small businesses. In contrast, spending the same amount at national chains results in about $50 remaining local, and online shopping contributes almost nothing to the local economy.

When asked about her opinions on the new Target and Barnes and Nobles in Doylestown DelVal Junior Mouse Moseley said, “So I think that the new Barnes & Noble and especially also the new Target is a total scab moment and I think that without a Starbucks in their location they’re not going to be a threat to the Doylestown bookstore because the prices are the same and there’s no refreshments in either of them and one of them has really nice puppets and that’s the Doylestown bookstore.

The Doylestown Bookstore is also right across from the Used bookstore, which is pretty slay. And it’s really in the hub of Doylestown, and I would be incredibly upset if Barnes & Noble Really were to put them out of business” 

DelVal Junior Trinity Gomez said, “I used to frequent Barnes and Nobles when I was much younger than I am now. But that was because that was the only bookstore available. And I remember never buying a book from Barnes and Nobles because the prices were absolutely insane. At the bookstore in Doylestown, I buy books from there. I’ve bought a Coraline book that I had when I was younger. I re-bought it because I lost it. And I bought the last unicorn book from the Doylestown bookstore. And also, the Doylestown bookstore has posters, very cute posters. And puppets.” 

Importantly, local businesses are often the ones who donate to youth sports teams and local charities, further enriching the community. They also offer unique products and personalized services that reflect the town’s character, making Doylestown a distinctive place to live and visit.

Senior Deirdre Rambo would love to support small businesses, she said, “I would love to shop at small businesses more, but in previous semesters of living on campus, I did not drive regularly and I had a bad experience with the Doylestown Dart. Now that I do drive frequently, Doylestown is a 25-minute drive away and my schedule is packed.”

As spring time comes around the corner, residents are encouraged to support their local businesses. By choosing to shop at establishments like Busy Bee Toys and The Doylestown Bookshop, consumers not only find unique gifts but also invest in the vitality and diversity of their community.