BTW Articles

14 Jan

40 ABA Member Stores Open in 2009

Despite last year's economic challenges, 40 ABA member stores opened in 2009 across the U.S. The new indie bookstores are in 19 states, with California, New York, and Wisconsin leading the way, at five openings each. Illinois and Texas followed, each with four new indie bookstores. Included in the 40 regular new stores are two branches of existing businesses -- Books Inc. in Berkeley, California, and Posman Books in New York City. One ABA international member also opened for business in 2009: Coral Reef Bookstore in Anguilla, British West Indies.

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14 Jan

Five More Authors Join Winter Institute Lineup

The list of participants in the Winter Institute's popular Author Reception grew by five this week. Joining the Wi5 roster, which was announced by the American Booksellers Association in mid-December, are:

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21 Jan

BTW News Briefs

Future of Current Health Care Bill Up in Air

Following the victory of Republican Scott Brown in Massachusetts' special election on January 19, one thing was certain: U.S. Senate Democrats had lost the 60-vote supermajority necessary to end a Republican filibuster, and, with that, a clear path to the passage of health care reform. What President Obama and the Democratic leadership might do in the face of such daunting political calculus was Washington's biggest uncertainty.

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14 Jan

Booksellers Urged to Contact Legislators to Demand E-Fairness

Last week, the American Booksellers Association launched the E-Fairness Action Kit (E-FACT) to provide booksellers with crucial, state-specific tools to help them with their e-fairness communications and advocacy efforts. E-FACT provides booksellers in the 42 states that collect sales tax but do not have e-fairness legislation with state-specific template letters calling for e-fairness that can be sent to their state legislators and governor.

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14 Jan

Bookstore Sales Fall in November

After a strong September, retail sales at bookstores fell for the second straight month. Bookstore sales decreased by 2.0 percent in November 2009, compared to November 2008, according to preliminary figures recently released by the Bureau of the Census. November 2009 bookstore sales are estimated at $1,025 million, compared to sales of $1,046 million for the same period last year. October 2009 sales dropped by 1.3 percent, compared to October 2008.

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14 Jan

IndieCommerce Outlines Plans for First Half of 2010

This week, the American Booksellers Association presented IndieCommerce members with a roadmap of upgrades and new features planned for the first half of 2010. ABA also assured members that, in the wake of the staff reorganization announced last week, IndieCommerce remains an extremely high priority and that the recent changes would put staff in a stronger position to respond to customer service questions and to implement new features.

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14 Jan

Reservations Open for ABA Hotel at BEA 2010

Booksellers at ABA member stores can now make reservations for the official "ABA Hotel," which was secured by BookExpo America (BEA) for the 2010 show in New York City. The Park Central Hotel, located just 20 blocks north of the Javits Center, near Times Square, provides easy access to BEA via taxi, bus, or subway.

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14 Jan

Obituary: Bob Simoneaux

Robert Ross "Bob" Simoneaux, 64, of West Chester, Pennsylvania, died on Monday, January 11, 2010, after a long illness. He was co-owner, with his wife, Kathleen Yates Simoneaux, of Chester Country Book & Music Company in West Chester, Pennsylvania.

Simoneaux's career in the book business, which began at age 18, included positions at Curtis Circulation Company, Pocket Books, Bayou News, and Fawcett Books. He also worked at one time as a police officer in New Orleans.

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14 Jan

A Quick Look at Some Gift Card Packaging Options

The National Retail Federation lists gift cards as the most requested holiday item, and they remain a popular choice year round. With their consumer appeal, and ability to draw new customers who are likely to spend more than the face value, gift cards' only drawback is their size.

To help booksellers increase the visibility of gift cards, here's a shortlist of alternative sources for packaging and holders:

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14 Jan

BTW News Briefs

Spartanburg Writers Project to Open Indie Bookstore

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About ABA

The American Booksellers Association, a national not-for-profit trade organization, works with booksellers and industry partners to ensure the success and profitability of independently owned book retailers, and to assist in expanding the community of the book.

Independent bookstores act as community anchors; they serve a unique role in promoting the open exchange of ideas, enriching the cultural life of communities, and creating economically vibrant neighborhoods.

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