Books-A-Million Holds Steady
Citing continued improvement in its core book business, Books-A-Million reported that it cut its net loss for the second quarter, which ended August 2, 2014, to $3 million, down from $9.1 million in the same period last year. Total sales in the second quarter fell 0.5%, to $108.3 million, while comparable store sales inched ahead by 0.1%.
Applebaum Taking On Emeritus Post At PRH
Stuart Applebaum, who rose from being a publicist at Bantam Books to become the dean of corporate communications directors in the publishing industry, has been named emeritus executive v-p, corporate communications at Penguin Random House. Claire von Schilling has been promoted to senior v-p, director, corporate communications, and will run the day-to-day operations of the department.
Kobo Debuts Waterproof
E-reader Kobo has added to its family of E Ink digital readers with the launch of the waterproof Kobo Aura H2O. The new device, which goes on sale October 1, can be submerged in water for 30 minutes with no ill effects.
Parragon Publishing Restructures
In a move meant to reflect its broadening business interests, Parragon Publishing Inc. has restructured its operations into two divisions: Parragon Publishing and Parragon International.
Obituary: Former PW Correspondent Herbert Lottman
Herbert Lottman, a historian of French intellectual life and the longtime European correspondent for Publishers Weekly, died August 27 in Paris after suffering through a long series of degenerative diseases. He was 87.
