Because of the growth of independent bookstores, large chains have diverted their attention from faltering mall outlets to “superstores”. They have closely copied large independent bookstores and are placing these monoliths nearby as possible hoping to attract the book-buying community that has been served over the years by these independently owned community stores.
As a result, we independents renew our sense of purpose and take this opportunity to share our thoughts on what defines an independent bookstore:
Independents have an on-site owner–someone who’s right there. All the decisions are made right in the store.
Independents pride themselves on depth and breadth of stock.
Independents talk with their customers directly and enjoy fulfilling–even exceeding–their expectations. They also help the public discover new or little-known authors or presses.
Independents invest resources in knowledgeable staff and nurture professional, career booksellers.
Independents act as community resources and are often active in community causes. Many work together to foster authors, books, and reading–in the process helping to spread literacy.
Independents are leaders in the fight against censorship and other threats to freedom of expression.
One of the great strengths of our culture is diversity. When 5000 book buyers from independent stores across the country order books from publishers, their diverse selections insure variety in the marketplace. If the marketplace becomes overly dominated by a few large, corporate-owned chain bookstores, publishing decisions will be made by a few easily controlled buyers working for large companies. This will affect our freedom to choose what we read.