The 2005 ABACUS Study a Win-Win for Booksellers

Booksellers looking for ways to increase their profit margin are encouraged to submit their financial figures to the 2005 ABACUS Study. With 181 ABA member bookstores submitting data to the survey last year, the ABACUS study is establishing a standard against which each store's financial results can be measured, providing participants, as well as the bookselling community as a whole, with invaluable information. This year, as an added incentive, booksellers who submit completed surveys by June 30 will receive a $50 coupon good towards their next ABA dues renewal.

As the study moves into its third year, the ABACUS Workshop has been one of the highlights of ABA's Winter/Spring Booksellers Forums and 2005 Education Program. Moreover, booksellers who bring their fiscal 2004 financial statements to the forums will receive help completing the 2005 ABACUS survey form. Completing the survey takes approximately an hour and in return ABA member booksellers receive:

• A detailed, customized report tailored to their business;
• Analyses of how their bookstore measures up to similar independent bookstores;
• An executive summary of this year's overall financial health of the participating independent bookstores;
• Key insights into the drivers of independent bookstore profitability;
• Year-to-year trending data as a group and individually for those who had participated before; and
• Opportunities to participate in ancillary studies.

All information provided to the ABACUS study is kept strictly confidential. To access the easy-to-use ABACUS Web form, click here.

Questions about the ABACUS study should be directed to ABA CEO Avin Mark Domnitz at [email protected].