ABA Exec Tells Independent Booksellers How Indiebound Program Can Help Them Compete With Chains

Atlanta, GA, USA (SANEPR.com) August 4, 2008 -- The IndieBound outreach liaison for the American Booksellers Association (ABA) was in Atlanta on Aug. 1 to brief independent booksellers on a new program designed to help them compete.
Paige Poe spoke Friday morning at the Great American Bargain Book Show at the Cobb Galleria Centre.

The ABA officially launched the IndieBound program at BookExpo America in Los Angeles in May. It is designed to help not only booksellers but all independent merchants at a time when competing with large chains has become increasingly difficult.
IndieBound is designed to bring together booksellers, readers, independent retailers, local business alliances and others who believe that healthy local economies help communities thrive.

Following a year of study and planning, the ABA designed a program to tap into a growing national movement, creating new and interesting ways for independent booksellers and other independent businesses to better communicate their core strengths - independence, passion, community - to their customers.

"America has clearly reached a tipping point - people are choosing Main Street over malls,” said Poe. “Nationwide, people are renewing their ties to friends, neighbors, and institutions in their cities and towns. Through IndieBound, we believe booksellers and other indie retailers are at the forefront of a movement that is already being embraced by shoppers."
In a PowerPoint presentation, Poe showed her audience of ABA independent bookseller members a number of examples from around the nation of how book stores are using various IndieBound marketing and public relations materials.

A unique aspect of the program, she emphasized, is that all materials are available online for free download. Member users of the materials are free to modify the materials as they see fit.

She also discussed the IndieBound affiliates program designed for use by authors to support the independent book stores from their Web sites and blogs.

Poe said that one of the newer initiatives, launched just before July 4, is the “Declaration of IndieBound,” a petition drive designed for community residents who support local independent merchants.

Among the services provided at www.indiebound.org is one that permits people seeking a bookstore near them to enter their state and city. They will then be presented with a list of independent book stores from the nearest to those within 50 miles. Buyers can click on any store listed for further information.

Poe also discussed how local book stores can approach local media to invite coverage of the IndieBound initiative. Materials available at the IndieBound Web site include am eight-page public relations primer on making media contacts.

About GABBS: The Great American Bargain Book Show is one of the three largest bargain book shows in the United States, staged annually in time for retailers to buy inexpensive stock for marketing during the winter holiday season. The show is organized by L.B. May & Associates of Knoxville, Tenn. Further information at www.GABBS.net

About American Booksellers Association: Founded in 1900, the American Booksellers Association is a not-for-profit trade organization devoted to meeting the needs of its core members - independently owned bookstores with storefront locations - through education, information dissemination, business products and services and advocacy. The association actively supports free speech, literacy and programs that support local and independent retail shops.
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