Independent Bookstores Continue to Show Sales Increases

A majority of independent bookstores have shown sales increases during the first six months of 2002, as compared to the same period in 2001. The finding, the result of a recent ABA survey, continues a three-year trend, which has seen a majority of independent bookstores realizing increases over a comparable prior sales period.

The most recent survey indicates that 55 percent of the bookstores participating in the Book Sense marketing program had increases for the first six months of 2002. More than 40 percent of the stores reporting increases had sales gains over five percent.

"We are delighted to note independent bookstores continue to experience sales increases, especially during a period of economic uncertainty, and amidst the gyrations in the stock market," noted Avin Mark Domnitz, ABA chief executive officer.

Ann Christophersen, ABA president and co-owner of Women and Children First Bookstore in Chicago, commented that "these results provide increasing evidence that bookstores participating in the Book Sense marketing program are successfully leveraging the tools Book Sense provides to attract customers and to sell books." Alluding to the increased competition in bookselling, she noted that "Book Sense provides a platform for independent booksellers to stay competitive while maintaining their independence."