Share IndieBound Materials With IndieBound To-Go

One of several new features recently introduced on IndieBound.org makes many IndieBound marketing materials freely available to non-ABA-member retail businesses, such as independently owned bicycle shops, toy stores, and gift and home shops. ABA member stores are encouraged to share IndieBound To-Go with Independent Business Alliances (IBAs), other Local First organizations, and locally owned businesses in their communities.

"Reaction to IndieBound To-Go has been very enthusiastic," noted Paige Poe, ABA's IndieBound outreach liaison. "Several indie businesses have written to say 'thanks.' They've been impressed by IndieBound materials in their local bookstore and are excited to have more ways to participate."

Cinda Baxter of Retail Speaks, an association of independent gift and stationery retailers, wrote a blog entry detailing the benefits and information available in the To-Go section. Talking to her group of indie businesses, Baxter described IndieBound as "completely committed to supporting brick-and-mortar retailers ... These folks don't just talk the talk; they walk the walk, and they walk it proud."

"A recent study showed that independent stores in communities with strong Shop Local initiatives outperformed stores in communities without one by an average of 2.4 percent over the holiday season," said Meg Smith, ABA's chief marketing officer. "IndieBound materials can help provide the glue that brings local businesses together in this way." (Read more about the Institute for Local Self-Reliance study.)

IndieBound To-Go features a subset of the items included in the ABA members-only Bookseller DIY. IndieBound To-Go features popular favorites, including the "Here's What You Just Did" poster and the "This Is the Part Where I Save the Day" T-shirt, as well as some newer items, such as the IndieBound bumper stickers. A free IndieBound Community account is required to download art files from IndieBound To-Go.

Also included are useful links to news and economic studies on the Shop Local movement, examples of how other communities are using IndieBound, and more. As always, booksellers can contact IndieBound Outreach Liaison Paige Poe with any questions.

IndieBound To-Go is available at http://www.indiebound.org/to-go.

--Matt Supko