Shop Indie Local This Holiday Season: How Planting People Growing Justice Is Building Leaders, One Book at a Time
This holiday season, Planting People Growing Justice Press and Bookstore (PPGJ Press) in Saint Paul, Minnesota, is joining a national movement to uplift local businesses and strengthen communities.
Through the 2025 Shop Indie Local Holiday Campaign, PPGJ Press is partnering with the American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA) and other independent business networks to encourage shoppers to buy local and shop with purpose from November 1 to December 31.
Why Shop Indie Local Matters
When you shop at a locally owned business, your dollars stay close to home—helping to create local jobs, support community programs, and build neighborhood wealth.
In fact, every dollar spent at a local business returns two to four times more money to your community than money spent at a national chain or online retailer. Those dollars circulate locally, funding everything from youth programs to small business growth.
“Shop Indie Local Holiday partners raise awareness around the importance of supporting locally owned businesses,” said Jen Risley, Director of Operations at AMIBA. “Together, we inspire more of us to shift our holiday spending to independent businesses and amplify the local economy movement throughout North America.”
Celebrate Literacy, Leadership, and Local Impact
As part of the Shop Indie Local festivities, PPGJ Press is hosting two exciting author book signings and giveaways on November 1 and December 6. These events are designed to bring families, readers, and community members together to celebrate the power of books and local business.
PPGJ Press is also launching special holiday book bundles for children that focus on leadership development and STEM education—the perfect gifts for inspiring young readers to dream big, think critically, and lead with confidence.
And for adults and aspiring professionals, there’s an extra reason to stop by: PPGJ Press is offering a Leadership Development Book Bundle at 50% off retail for a limited time. This collection of empowering reads offers practical strategies for career success and personal growth—ideal for professionals, educators, and changemakers alike.
“By shopping local, we do more than make a purchase—we make a difference,” said Dr. Artika Tyner, Founder of Planting People Growing Justice Press and Bookstore. “Each book we buy helps empower children, support families, and invest in the future of our community.”
A Black Woman-Owned Bookstore with a Mission
Founded by Dr. Artika Tyner, Planting People Growing Justice Press is more than just a bookstore—it’s a social enterprise dedicated to cultivating literacy, leadership, and cultural awareness.
As a Black woman-owned publisher, PPGJ Press creates children’s books and leadership resources that celebrate diversity and empower readers to make a difference. Every book sold helps support community literacy programs and leadership development initiatives for youth in Saint Paul and beyond.
When you choose to Shop Indie Local at PPGJ Press, you’re not just buying a book—you’re investing in the next generation of leaders and supporting a mission-driven small business that’s making a lasting community impact.
How You Can Join the Movement
Here are a few simple ways to make your holiday shopping more meaningful this year:
Shop local first. Visit your neighborhood bookstores, boutiques, and markets.
Attend local events. Join PPGJ Press on November 1 and December 6 for book signings and giveaways at the Jimmy Lee Recreation Center.
Gift with purpose. Choose diverse, educational books that inspire leadership and creativity in children.
Spread the word. Share your favorite local finds using #ShopIndieLocal and #BuyBlack to inspire others to do the same.
This season, let your spending reflect your values. Support local. Empower young readers. Build stronger communities—one book at a time.
Learn more or shop online at: www.ppgjbooks.com
Discover the Shop Indie Local movement: amiba.net/shop-indie-local