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The stores that joined were both new stores just opening and existing stores that had decided to join. Hill, and others feared that hundreds of stores could go out of business during the pandemic. However, the group only counted 14 closings in so far, with more than 70 last year. Hill said there were a few reasons book stores were able to survive the pandemic-caused shutdowns and limited hours, including PPP Loans.
A PPP loan was federal government assistance given to small businesses to help pay their employees. The reasons also include a surprisingly strong holiday buying season in December, and increased online sales. Finally, the rise of bookshop. The website partners with independent stores to help them reach more readers. But Hill said business for independent stores remains more difficult than ever.
Many owners are not expecting in-person events at least through the summer. They are also still facing the growing strength of Amazon, the large online store.
Book sales overall have been strong during the pandemic. But much of that has been with Amazon or low-cost stores with many locations that sell books. ABA had more than 1, members with more than 2, store locations in This was a large increase from 1, ten years ago. Peter Hildick-Smith, the president of Codex, thinks the pandemic could only widen the divide between independent bookstores and Amazon as new consumer habits calcify.
While Hunter acknowledges that Bookshop might be benefiting from a momentary bump, he and his team are working on ways to remain effective under normal circumstances. Amazon forms partnerships with editorial websites, so that publications earn 4. Many stores are currently testing virtual events, like author meet-and-greets and book clubs. Solid State, for example, is hosting live author discussions and readings on Instagram and Facebook. And other organizers are joining Hunter in the fight to support indies.
BINC has distributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to independent booksellers in need over the past few weeks. When the pandemic ends, life will certainly look different than it did before. Bookstores could play a crucial role in the healing process—but they need to outlive the crisis. Write to Annabel Gutterman at annabel. Seth Brewer, a co-owner of Organic Books in Albuquerque, New Mexico, at his bookstore before a stay-at-home order closed it down.
By Andrew R. Chow and Annabel Gutterman. Related Stories. Already a print subscriber? Go here to link your subscription.
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