The majority of Books-A-Million stores are now open for in-store visits in addition to curbside pickup, according to a statement released by BAM CEO Terry Finley. In reopening, BAM is following "local guidelines for safe and secure shopping." the company said.
Finley said that the bookstore chain is preparing to welcome customers into most of its stores starting on Mother’s Day on May 10. BAM operates more than 200 bookstores in 32 states.
Finley noted that BAM stores have already instituted curbside pickup, and will now be open for in-store visits from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. BAM stores, he said, have also added protective precautions to its stores in order to making them safer for consumers, including equipping staff with personal protective equipment, the installation of acrylic respiratory-protective panels at check-out registers, and marking six-foot social distance intervals on aisles and at checkout.
BAM, Finley said, is anticipating the sales impact of a number of blockbuster fiction releases slated for May by such authors as Stephen King, John Grisham, David Baldacci, Kiera Cass, James Patterson, Nora Roberts, Michael Connelly, Lawrence Wright, and Stephenie Meyer. In addition, Finley said that throughout the pandemic, BAM customers have been buying educational materials, puzzles, and toys in addition to books.
“We are extremely appreciative of the support we have received from our customers during these difficult times,” he said. “Now that we are able to welcome our customers back to the stores in time for Mother’s Day, our booksellers stand ready to share the rich assortment of new books and products that we have been curating over the past weeks.”
