Independent retailers are an essential part of the fabric of a commercial economy. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce estimates that around 31.7 million small businesses are active, accounting for 99.9% of America’s registered companies.

Not only do you support your city’s ability to fund public services, but you also support an individual’s livelihood and passion. Research shows that almost half (48%) of every penny you spend in them gets redistributed into the local economy, compared with just 13% for a major chain, according to the American Independent Business Alliance.

So which of America’s cities have the highest proportion of independent stores, and in which locations do chain brands dominate the commercial landscape? Merchant Machine has analyzed where more than 20,000 independent stores and chain stores are located across the U.S. to find out.

Read the full study: merchantmachine.co.uk/us-independent-stores/.