Opening a Bookstore
You’re a devoted book-lover, and the ABA’s courses and materials can help you become a savvy business-owner, too. Learn about business plans, store design, staffing, and positioning your business for success in a competitive marketplace. Are you ready?
Let's Get Started!
Becoming a Provisional ABA Member is an excellent first step for anyone considering opening a bookstore. Upon joining, you'll have access to a wealth of information, tools, and expertise. From the Booksellers Resource Directory (comprehensive vendor and service-provider listing) to the Book Buyer's Handbook (fully searchable directory of publisher's terms, specials, and co-op offers), we've got what you need to prepare yourself for bookstore ownership. (Complete the application for "all other types of membership" on the Join ABA page.)
Requesting ABA’s Opening a Bookstore Kit should be on your to-do list as well. Please let us know where you are in the process (Are you on the verge of opening a bookstore? Halfway there? Or just thinking about it for now?) and we will send you a special package tailored to your needs. You’ll receive articles, vendor names, and research on important topics.
> Request an Opening a Bookstore Kit
Following an Opening a Bookstore checklist will assure that your research and preparation is thorough and detailed. ABA makes such a list available to prospective booksellers (any bookseller, really) to guide you towards a good result.
> Request an Opening a Bookstore Kit
Following an Opening a Bookstore checklist will assure that your research and preparation is thorough and detailed. ABA makes such a list available to prospective booksellers (any bookseller, really) to guide you towards a good result.
Joining Your Regional Association is a great idea, too. Regional associations offer a specialized, local focus, plus regional promotional and networking opportunities, trade shows, and more.
* Special offer: Join ABA and your regional association now, and ABA will pay one year's dues to your regional bookseller association on your behalf. Just enter promo code JRGNL on your ABA application. (Offer good only for stores not having been a member of ABA in the two years prior to application. Offer will be honored within first 6 months of ABA membership.) For more details on this Joint Membership offer, please contact Sarah Rettger.
* Special offer: Join ABA and your regional association now, and ABA will pay one year's dues to your regional bookseller association on your behalf. Just enter promo code JRGNL on your ABA application. (Offer good only for stores not having been a member of ABA in the two years prior to application. Offer will be honored within first 6 months of ABA membership.) For more details on this Joint Membership offer, please contact Sarah Rettger.
Next Steps....
Sign up for Prospective Booksellers School.
ABA sponsors this can't-miss introduction to retail bookselling, facilitated by Paz & Associates. This information-packed bookselling experience features workshops on finances, store design, inventory management, marketing, technology and more. It's held three times throughout the year, including the annual workshop at BookExpo America in conjunction with ABA's educational offerings there.
ABA sponsors this can't-miss introduction to retail bookselling, facilitated by Paz & Associates. This information-packed bookselling experience features workshops on finances, store design, inventory management, marketing, technology and more. It's held three times throughout the year, including the annual workshop at BookExpo America in conjunction with ABA's educational offerings there.
Formulate a Business Plan
ABA has created a bookstore-specific business plan for use as a starting point. (Please read this plan carefully, as many changes will need to be made in order to tailor the plan to your business.) Your exploration of bookselling will also benefit from a good reading of the information provided by the Small Business Administration on its website. From business plans to legal concerns, this is a wonderful stop for an overview and resources.
Another great resource is The Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE). The organization’s hundreds of nonprofit chapters help link thousands of experienced business professionals with entrepreneurs every year. SCORE’s website has numerous articles and resources on a range of small business topics.
ABA has created a bookstore-specific business plan for use as a starting point. (Please read this plan carefully, as many changes will need to be made in order to tailor the plan to your business.) Your exploration of bookselling will also benefit from a good reading of the information provided by the Small Business Administration on its website. From business plans to legal concerns, this is a wonderful stop for an overview and resources.
Another great resource is The Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE). The organization’s hundreds of nonprofit chapters help link thousands of experienced business professionals with entrepreneurs every year. SCORE’s website has numerous articles and resources on a range of small business topics.
Read relevant articles from Bookselling This Week.
Enjoy these accounts of biliophiles/businesspeople who recently became the proud owners of new independent bookstores! And don't forget to sign up for your free subscription to BTW, the voice for independent booksellers. BTW will keep you informed about all aspects of your new profession, from ABA programs to trade news to important book-centric updates and events.
Enjoy these accounts of biliophiles/businesspeople who recently became the proud owners of new independent bookstores! And don't forget to sign up for your free subscription to BTW, the voice for independent booksellers. BTW will keep you informed about all aspects of your new profession, from ABA programs to trade news to important book-centric updates and events.
A Few Stories Among Many
Have Questions?
Contact ABA'S new-bookseller liaison, Sarah Rettger, 1-800-637-0037, ext. 6645.