An Uncommon Definition of Success
June 19, 2012
Each year, Publishers Weekly presents two major book industry awards at BookExpo America: Bookstore of the Year and Rep of the Year. Recipients of those awards exemplify success by having been recognized for their work. Success is usually equated with … Continue reading
Authors Enrich Our Lives
May 9, 2012
The Children’s Choice Book Awards and the death of Maurice Sendak remind us of how our lives are enriched by authors and their works. Continue reading
One Big Tent
March 30, 2012
Communities want independent bookstores not just as a place to buy books, but as a gathering place for human interaction, inspiration for lifetime learning, and a place to go to get away from the craziness of life. Workshop graduates are planning to open indie bookstores from Florida to California and points in between. Borders has left a gap in many communities and entire markets are ready for their own community-centered bookstore.
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Ann Patchett’s Pulpit
February 22, 2012
Her talents reach far and wide, yet Ann Patchett has chosen to use her talents, media attention, and energy to speak up for the value of indie bookstores. As a special guest on Stephen Colbert’s Colbert Report on Comedy Central, … Continue reading
Sales & Spirits Up
February 1, 2012
During the American Booksellers Association’s Winter Institute in New Orleans last month, there were high spirits — even before the first cocktail party. From the moment booksellers began arriving in the city that embodies strength and resilience, everyone began comparing … Continue reading
What do you say after you say ‘hello’?
January 16, 2012
Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: “A customer walks into a bookstore … and leaves empty-handed.” When you consider that exceptional customer service is one of the few competitive advantages that an indie bookstore can rightfully claim, it’s mind-boggling … Continue reading
Occupy Amazon.com, We’re All Fed Up
December 10, 2011
With Amazon.com’s latest marketing tactic, independent retailers, citizens, and community builders are fed up with the predatory strategies that are legal, but highly unethical.
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The Next Generation & The New Economy
October 19, 2011
Janet Geddis, a young entrepreneur with a dream, but no capital, finds a way to engage the community and opens an indie bookstore in Athens, Georgia. Continue reading
The High Cost of Cheap
September 30, 2011
Amazon.com’s release of the Fire tablet reminds us of the high cost of cheap. Continue reading
Ideal Anchors for Community Development
August 13, 2011
While the ‘Shop Local’ movement continues to gain momentum, smart commercial real estate developers look to independently owned local bookstores as anchors and valuable tenants. Continue reading