If you’ve been passing by your neighborhood independent bookstore lately, you may have noticed a “closed” sign hanging in the window. The American Booksellers Association reports that since the onset of the pandemic, more than one indie bookstore has shut its doors each week, and as many as 20% could fail to survive the year. As someone who cherishes books and the unique charm of local bookstores, this news is truly disheartening. Unsurprisingly, the fiercest competitor for these beloved establishments is Amazon.
In response, the American Booksellers Association has launched a campaign aimed at encouraging holiday shoppers to support local bookstores instead of turning to online giants. You might see messages like, “Support booksellers who care about your community, not those who want to colonize distant planets,” popping up in store windows.
The Challenges Faced by Independent Bookstores
To illustrate the challenges these bookstores face, consider Vroman’s Bookstore in Pasadena, California, a 126-year-old fixture with over 200 employees and ample space. Despite the pandemic’s impact, their rent and other expenses remain. Typically, Vroman’s hosts around 300 to 400 events annually, attracting authors for readings and signings, along with customers eager to purchase books and enjoy a coffee or glass of wine. Unfortunately, this year, those events are non-existent.
Most independent bookstores are grappling with dwindling sales and rising costs due to the pandemic. Jamie Taylor, owner of Leaf & Quill Books in North Carolina and board president of the American Bookseller Association, noted the unexpected financial burden of spending thousands on shipping materials and safety equipment.
Creative Solutions from Indie Bookstores
To adapt, many indie bookstores are getting creative in their efforts to stay afloat. For example, Book Haven in Oregon has introduced a line of book-scented perfumes, which have become a must-have gift for book lovers yearning for the ambiance of a bookstore. In Athens, Georgia, Readers’ Haven offers personalized book recommendations through custom URLs.
Even as some stores have had to close their physical locations—like Third Chapter Books, Portland’s only Black-owned bookstore—they have successfully transitioned to online sales and continue to serve customers with outstanding service.
How You Can Help
As we enter December and the holiday shopping season, it’s crucial to remember that your local bookstore needs your support now more than ever. You don’t necessarily have to enter the store to shop safely; many bookstores offer curbside pickup or appointment-based browsing. If those options aren’t available, you can easily visit IndieBound.org, which functions much like Amazon but focuses on supporting local bookstores. You can order from the comfort of your home and have gifts delivered directly to your door.
Let’s be clear: Amazon doesn’t require additional financial support. While it’s understandable that we all want to save money, shifting your purchasing habits—even in small ways—can significantly impact your community’s bookstores. If we band together, we can ensure that these treasured local bookstores remain vibrant and accessible long after the pandemic has passed.
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In summary, independent bookstores are facing unprecedented challenges due to the pandemic, but we can all play a part in supporting them. By choosing to shop locally and consciously, we can help ensure the survival of these community gems.