Editor's note: This letter was penned in response to a recent Soapbox column.
To the Editor,
I certainly have no argument with Jonathan Platt’s belief in the need to continue the essential work of improving the bottom line for independent bookstores (“Why Are Book Margins Stuck in the 1990s?” PW, Sept. 17), but I do disagree with his contention that there have been no significant improvements in recent years.
Because of an FTC ruling, given the current market share of the indie channel, the American Booksellers Association can indeed discuss terms with individual publishers. Together with ABA senior staff leaders, I have been part of those meetings, as have previous ABA presidents and vice presidents.
I believe the results of this ongoing dialogue—while far from completing our goal of establishing a 21st-century independent bookstore financial model—have been significant. This can be seen, I believe, in the positive trends in recent ABACUS final surveys of independent bookstores. Overall, the cost of goods has been going down—without a significant increase in the percentage of nonbook items—and, on average, profitability for the indie channel has improved. There is still much left to achieve, but I believe we are indeed making good progress.
Bookselling is hard, and it would be a mistake to think that the status quo is enough. But as we see modest yearly gains in the number of independent bookstores nationwide and year-over-year sales gains in our channel, I do believe that our ongoing discussions with publishers are resulting in very positive changes in terms, including special programs for new stores, some significant year-round backlist offers, and, again this fall, special terms for Indies First from a growing number of publishers. These programs have become much easier to use, and they have the potential to positively impact a bookstore’s bottom line. And, beyond that, when more independent bookstores participate in these programs, we have the potential to demonstrate the collective power of our channel, which will give publishers more reasons to continue exploring new ways of doing business.
I also know, from traveling the country and talking to many different independent booksellers, that many of these changes, including more progressive co-op policies and rapid replenishment, have had a direct impact on stores’ bottom lines.
We are not where we need to be by a long shot, and I and my fellow ABA board members and ABA staff will continue to advocate on our members’ behalf to our publishing partners, but neither are we stuck in the ’90s. Much has changed; much more needs to be done. But, as we continue to build on our progress, I am optimistic and hopeful that independent booksellers will continue to meet new challenges and succeed.
Sincerely,
Robert Sindelar
President, American Booksellers Association
Third Place Books
Lake Forest Park and Seattle, Wash.
