Former American Booksellers Association CEO Avin Domnitz died of cancer on June 27. He was 71.
During his tenure as CEO of ABA, Domnitz oversaw the creation of Book Sense and BookSense.com (now IndieBound and IndieCommerce), as well as Winter Institute. Domnitz also filed several lawsuits to help independent booksellers get the same sales terms as the chains.
Domnitz was a staunch believer in the importance of education for booksellers, and is known for his “2% Solution” seminars that helped many store owners gain a better understanding of their finances. He began conducting the seminars when he served as president of the ABA board, and continued to do so throughout his term as CEO.
At the Celebration of Bookselling Lunch during this year’s BookExpo America, the ABA honored Domnitz’s many contributions to indie bookselling. Too ill to attend, his wife, Rita Domnitz, accepted a plaque thanking him for his years of service.
“Avin Mark Domnitz’s life in bookselling was characterized by his belief in the transformative power of books, and of bookselling," said ABA CEO Oren Teicher at the celebration. Teicher added that Domnitz also believed "the best educational tools possible would help ensure that indie bookstores would be empowered to continue to reinvent and reinvigorate their businesses.”
Domnitz began his career as a trial lawyer before turning to bookselling. He owned Dickens Books in Milwaukee, which became a part of Harry W. Schwartz Bookshops in Milwaukee, where he became a co-owner.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 1, at 1:00 pm at Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral home, 4750 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Whitefish Bay, Wisc. Burial to follow at Second Home Cemetery, 3705 South 43rd St., Milwaukee.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions made to the American Booksellers Association or the charity of your choice.
