Host: Anna Brown, Katy Budget Books
Participants: Jason Boog (Fable), Margie Franzen (Wanderlust Bookshop), Susan C (The Book Keeper), Brittany Caine (Kepler’s), Emil C (River’s End), Daniel O’Brien, Jasmin Brooks (Bookery Manchester), Kirsten Hess (Let’s Play); Eric Besner (Fable), Jhoanna Belfer (Bel Canto Books)
Notes:
- Jason Boog: Discussed how Fable works
- Would it benefit indies for local influencers to “adopt” one of us?
- (Jhoanna) Yes! Work together to determine what that adoption will look like (expectations)
- Susan C: Lean into what your customers are buying
- Book clubs and special events help define your niche
- Pandemic actually brought in some new customer base who started as web order customers and now come in
- Book clubs: how do you incentivize attendance and buying the books from you? Book club discounts, providing moderator, snacks
- Part of our niche is just being a part of our community, and discussing that between staff and customers in your store helps everyone appreciate that two-way relationship
- Bookstore memberships: offers perks and community buy-in, levels?
- Free member tickets to ticketed events, host your event at the bookstore, private shopping hours
- Podcasting space in store to reach a new part of community?
- Appreciation event for local social media influencers who support you
Reimagining Bookstores 