Back in April I was quoted in an article titled What is the Future of Bookstores? 13 Divergent Views from Publishing Insiders. Looking back on it now this quote makes me seem very anti-bookstores which isn’t true. Although I am a fan of Amazon and online purchasing my concern with buying books is not in finding the lowest price but in getting the most value. The problem I see for bookstores is finding ways to add value that surpasses the benefits of online retailers (i.e. lower prices, convenience, larger variety of titles).
When I was younger my favorite bookstore was Borders. Likely because of a credit card program my godmother was part of. For every purchase she made she acquired points which were redeemable for “Borders Bucks,” tender only valid at Borders stores. Because of the distance between my godmothers house and my own we only made the trip every once in a while. The time in between visits leading to a stockpile of border bucks that lead to book hauls for my child self of a hundred dollars or more at no extra cost to my parents or godmother. This was my goldmine. Borders offered a value in this rewards program that kept me loyal till the day they closed their doors. (I may have even cried when this happened.)
So now how do bookstores compete with online stores and give value that leads to longtime customer loyalty? Here are a few examples of ways I’ve seen bookstores win out over online stores.
- Blue Bunny Bookstore, located in historic Dedham, Massachusetts and owned by the Reynolds family. Blue Bunny Bookstore is home to author/illustrator Peter H. Reynolds. As a co-owner Peter has a workshop upstairs where he works, making it the best place to get signed copies of any of his books. If having a resident author wasn’t enough to add the extra value needed, Blue Bunny Bookstore is also a very active part of the community, offering extensive programs for children (the main audience of the bookstore) in addition to author signings. Just a few of their programs: creativity academy (6 week program for kids), cupcake decorating party and book signing, weekly story time, Camp Half-Blood (workshop based on The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan).
- Wellesley Books, located in Wellesley, MA is one of my favorite bookstores in New England to meet authors. The very talented event coordinator Allison has brought in countless numbers of my favorite authors and always makes sure to order hardcover books (something a collector like me appreciates beyond belief as this is one of my top reasons for going online instead of to the store). Wellesley Books also stocks a fun collection of assorted gifts that makes waiting for an event a whole lot more fun. I mean how can you go wrong with candle scents named after authors and a whole collection of tea supplies?
- Malaprop’s Bookstore and Cafe, located in Asheville, NC. I’ve talked a few times about Malaprop’s on the blog as it is one of my favorite bookstores. When I lived in Georgia I would drive three hours to visit this bookstore to see their author events. Malaprop’s knows how to throw a group signing and with the edition of a lovely cafe in the store this bookstore is worth the trip.
These are only a handful of stores that have proved their value and that I am personally happy to give up the benefits of online shopping to visit. Still, times are changing. With the close of big chains like Borders and the recent outcry against Amazon only time will tell what book buying options will last and which ones will fade.
One of the most interesting thoughts from this Amazon debate I heard at PubSmart from Hugh Howey. Hugh has a theory that Amazon may just be the best thing that has happened to indie bookstores. Hugh’s reasoning being that the bigger chains (like Borders) are not able to compete with the value Amazon offers and have been shutting down leaving communities in need of their indie bookstores for all of the things an online shop can’t offer.
So what do you think? Are bookstores a dying business with online options like Amazon now in play?
I’m not convinced Amazon is good for small town books stores. I think Howey is just picking his side and he thinks appealing to small business owners with help his argument.
Hi Glen,
I’d love to see how small bookstores are doing now. What I liked about Hugh’s thought was that is focuses on what each store has to offer. Amazon offers lower prizes, speed, and ease of shopping for those who know what the want. Smaller bookstores offer the local events (as I mentioned), personalized help finding that next big read, and if local they help support your area. Bigger chains like Borders, Barnes & Noble are the ones that seem to have the biggest struggle to prove their worth against Amazon (they use to have value as they were larger and could offer cheaper prices and stock more, but Amazon beats them on both counts. And what they still have left can be offered by smaller indie stores.) So the idea is having Amazon beating out this larger competition gives small indie bookstores a chance to thrive in their communities by offering the things Amazon can’t (like book signings, personalized help, physical books to browse.)
We’d need to see the numbers before anything could really be determined but for a thought it got me to thinking.
I’m not convinced Amazon is good for small town books stores. I think Howey is just picking his side and he thinks appealing to small business owners with help his argument.
Hi Glen,
I’d love to see how small bookstores are doing now. What I liked about Hugh’s thought was that is focuses on what each store has to offer. Amazon offers lower prizes, speed, and ease of shopping for those who know what the want. Smaller bookstores offer the local events (as I mentioned), personalized help finding that next big read, and if local they help support your area. Bigger chains like Borders, Barnes & Noble are the ones that seem to have the biggest struggle to prove their worth against Amazon (they use to have value as they were larger and could offer cheaper prices and stock more, but Amazon beats them on both counts. And what they still have left can be offered by smaller indie stores.) So the idea is having Amazon beating out this larger competition gives small indie bookstores a chance to thrive in their communities by offering the things Amazon can’t (like book signings, personalized help, physical books to browse.)
We’d need to see the numbers before anything could really be determined but for a thought it got me to thinking.
Actually, I own a bookstore that opened in place of a Walden Books (Parent Company-Borders), called Books & Banter.
We are an indie bookstore that tries to meet needs in the community and have first hand seen more people decide to come to our store than go on Amazon or shop at Hastings because we offer things they can’t.
-Customer Service, introducing people to new books and genres based on their taste and history at the store
-Unique and engaging events- like celebrating the anniversary of the moon landing by watching the original broadcast and decorating the store- local author signings, local music and art, story hours, and a summer reading program for kids.
-Community Programs like tutoring and eventually even adult literacy, a book mobile, ESL classes, and GED prep. We have only been open since April, so all that hasn’t quite blossomed yet.
-Online and in-store options, we work with our distributor on special ordering, but we also sell online at a discount from retail through the distributor. We get a commission check and you get your book- you can even download eBooks.
Instead of see Amazon as a threat, we use it as another storefront. We can sell collectible books and textbooks on the site and offer store credit on trade-ins from customers. They are getting a new/used book and we are making money selling their textbooks online. Everyone is happy.
We have made our bookstore a place that people want to experience, not just get a book from. Our loyalty program is run by an app that tracks your customer status, visits, and card “punches”. We even have a way to reward people just for walking in the door, which is a big draw that small business can miss out on.
I see our store surviving and growing as the market survives and grows. The more readers we can make in our community, the more staying power we have and the better our town can be.
#endsoapbox
You can see what we’re doing on our website: booksnbanter.com
Cathy thank you so much for sharing about your store!
I agree that bookstores like yours are truly incredible and offer a value online stores cannot match. Both online stores and stores like you own offer great value to their customers in different areas which makes them both business models I expect to see continue long into the future.
Instead of this us v. them mentality stores that focus on what they can bring to the table will do better off in the long run.
Best of luck to you and your store as you continue to grow and expand your amazing programs!
Actually, I own a bookstore that opened in place of a Walden Books (Parent Company-Borders), called Books & Banter.
We are an indie bookstore that tries to meet needs in the community and have first hand seen more people decide to come to our store than go on Amazon or shop at Hastings because we offer things they can’t.
-Customer Service, introducing people to new books and genres based on their taste and history at the store
-Unique and engaging events- like celebrating the anniversary of the moon landing by watching the original broadcast and decorating the store- local author signings, local music and art, story hours, and a summer reading program for kids.
-Community Programs like tutoring and eventually even adult literacy, a book mobile, ESL classes, and GED prep. We have only been open since April, so all that hasn’t quite blossomed yet.
-Online and in-store options, we work with our distributor on special ordering, but we also sell online at a discount from retail through the distributor. We get a commission check and you get your book- you can even download eBooks.
Instead of see Amazon as a threat, we use it as another storefront. We can sell collectible books and textbooks on the site and offer store credit on trade-ins from customers. They are getting a new/used book and we are making money selling their textbooks online. Everyone is happy.
We have made our bookstore a place that people want to experience, not just get a book from. Our loyalty program is run by an app that tracks your customer status, visits, and card “punches”. We even have a way to reward people just for walking in the door, which is a big draw that small business can miss out on.
I see our store surviving and growing as the market survives and grows. The more readers we can make in our community, the more staying power we have and the better our town can be.
#endsoapbox
You can see what we’re doing on our website: booksnbanter.com
I’m with you, and with Howey, on this one. The vast majority of books I buy are either from Amazon or from my local indie chain (~5 locations). I love them both, but differently.
Yes, I am the same Katherine. I believe it is a matter of value and as long as each store offers different things we value (like book signings at physical stores or free shipping) both will continue to stay in business.
I’m with you, and with Howey, on this one. The vast majority of books I buy are either from Amazon or from my local indie chain (~5 locations). I love them both, but differently.
Yes, I am the same Katherine. I believe it is a matter of value and as long as each store offers different things we value (like book signings at physical stores or free shipping) both will continue to stay in business.