Retail work doesn’t always get the credit it deserves, but if you’re lucky enough to find yourself working in local retail, you’ll experience a front-row seat to community, creativity, and connection.

Just ask Earl Thompson, owner of Galena Roasters in Galena, Illinois. He’s a former mason who followed a calling for a deeper purpose, eventually trading bricks for beans.

What started as a vision evolved into a community coffee shop, where the atmosphere is warm, the pastries are locally sourced, and the coffee is roasted in-house. Earl and his team have created a space that feels personal, welcoming, and deeply connected to the neighborhood.

Read more for seven reasons why working in local retail is more meaningful (and more rewarding) than you might think.