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Hen81
Regular Poster
Username: Hen81
Post Number: 48
Registered: 09-2007
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, March 20, 2008 - 01:52 pm: | 
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Borders Group may put itself up for sale. Over the last 2 years the company has lost over $150 million each year. This is a link to the story:
http://money.aol.com/news/articles/_a/borders-book-stores-may-be-sold/n200803201 12009990016
This is a story that also goes into some of the other problems in the book industry. What is interesting about all of this is with the loss of many independent bookstores, including many black bookstores, the shelf space continues to shrink.
If Barnes & Noble were to buy Borders, many Border's location would be closed. I know of many locations that are within a mile of B&N locations.
One issue is how will authors and publishers deal with a narrowing access to customers in the traditional bookstore format. I think it hurts black authors more due to smaller shelf space allocation in the major stores currently.
www.DTPollard.com |
Connie_briscoe
Regular Poster
Username: Connie_briscoe
Post Number: 18
Registered: 01-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, March 21, 2008 - 11:29 am: |
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I heard about this. Considering B&N profits declined I don't see them buying Borders--although I could be wrong. I tell you, the end is coming for physical bookstores and maybe sooner than you'd think.
www.conniebriscoe.com |
Troy
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Troy
Post Number: 1153
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, March 21, 2008 - 01:30 pm: |
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If Borders dies. B&N does not need to buy them. B&N should realize a boost in sales in markets where they were in competition with Borders.
As far as authors and publishers dealing with a narrowing market in “traditional” bookstores (man, you know the market is changing rapidly when a B&N superstore is considered “traditional”); Authors and publishers will have to do what they have been doing in greater numbers during the last decade – taking advantage of the internet, the streets, supporting the remaining outlets, book events, and other forms of creative marketing and promotion.
We have been complaining about the death of the independent bookstore since I’ve been in the business of books. Of course many independent books stores have closed – but others have opened and thrived. During the entire past 10 years not only have we seen an increase in the numbers of Black books sold there is a greater variety today than ever before.
Sure individual book stores, authors and publishers may suffer but the market place for Black book, overall, is certainly better off.
If we to look to the major chains, as the only avenue, to move our books we are certainly headed down a rough road.
Besides we usually spend time talking about failing book stores but we rarely mention successful independent bookstores – or event the online retailers. I just made a post about yet another successful independent bookstore, McNally Jackson, here in New York http://www.thumperscorner.com/discus/messages/1/35373.html).
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Emanuel
Veteran Poster
Username: Emanuel
Post Number: 536
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, March 22, 2008 - 08:52 am: |
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A similar discussion on this topic is taking place over at Blogging in Black here: http://blogginginblack.com/?p=772#comment-25877. |
Chrishayden
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Chrishayden
Post Number: 6477
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, March 22, 2008 - 10:06 am: |
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It may mean that Independent bookstores could score a comeback. |
Emanuel
Veteran Poster
Username: Emanuel
Post Number: 537
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, March 22, 2008 - 12:57 pm: |
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Chris,
There are still some independent bookstores doing quite well by focusing on their loyal customers, holding more events, and carrying more of specific genres like poetry, street lit, or classic titles. It seems like a good way to compete with Wal-Mart and Amazon since they don't offer these types of things yet. Then again, sometimes it's just about price and convenience. I'm not going to drive 45 minutes (especially with gas prices being so high) AND pay a higher price for a book just to support a bookstore. I'll shop online or go to the closest chain before I do something like that. I WILL drive 45 minutes to attend a signing though. |
Chrishayden
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Chrishayden
Post Number: 6498
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 24, 2008 - 11:25 am: |
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We only have a handful left in St. Louis
I will drive 45 minutes, or whatever, because I don't believe in shopping online. I leaf through a book before I buy it. I also like browzing. I am not afraid of people. I like them.
Independents will survive--the profit margin in selling books was always razor thin--by selling more than books and carrying stuff that Wal Marts will not.
Plus by offering food, a place to sit and eat, music, etc.
They have to become a STORE not just a bookstore. |
Bkindustryprof
Newbie Poster
Username: Bkindustryprof
Post Number: 11
Registered: 10-2006
Rating: 
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 31, 2008 - 11:05 am: |
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I have been a visitor of this website for a very long time, and have always loved to read the various post and/or topics about the book industry. I have worked in publishing for 12 years, most of that time as a publicist, for some major houses, and now as an independent. I post this comment now, not as plea to 'stop' beating up on the 'Chains', but more as a call out for Borders in particular. I happen to love Borders, but more importantly, I love the gentleman responsible for buying book written by African Americans. I commend Borders for all of their efforts to support many of our books. I can attest first hand to the success of many major authors continued deals based on Borders alone! Instances where Borders has sold over 50% of the entire net sales of several books that I helped publish. I am not concerned with challenging the views or entering into the debate about independents vs chains - all I am saying is that there is a person that I personally know that sits behind his desk who is passionate, knowledgeable, and committed to growing and selling books written by many of you! Please continue to support independents, as I know their history and value is unparalleled, but I know this guy - and his love for what he does is needed in this industry, especially for African American writers. |
Troy
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Troy
Post Number: 1171
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, April 01, 2008 - 10:55 am: |
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Bkindustryprof thanks for providing this perspective. Anytime a business struggles there are usually a few righteous people who are casualties.
Again we can look to a Border as our only avenue for selling books. Bordera can't be everywhere, nor can they be expected to have a deep inventory and knowlegable sales person in every niche.
Independent bookstores are important as well and the Internet, or street based ones. They are are important if we are going to reach every potential consumer and court new ones.
If your man is as passionate about books as you say he is, he will be fine. It is hard to find and retain these types of people... He will be in demand.
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Troy
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Troy
Post Number: 1173
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, April 01, 2008 - 09:56 pm: |
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Bkindustryprof I had lunch with someone who works for a major house and they too emphasized Border's impact on Black book sales.
They were actually surprised I did not know this. Of course, this really is a horse of a different color. I was completely ignorant of Border's impact...
...I just now read the linked article in the first post. It does not sound like a good situation for Borders. Another interesting point from the article:
"Bertelsmann AG reported a sharp decline in 2007 profit and said it was considering all options for its struggling Direct Group, which operates book, music and DVD clubs."
This is the same company that operates Black Expressions Book Club. This is not good news either.
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