Some stories & shared knowledge on How to Open a Bookstore. Learn all the ins and outs of getting your bookstore open.
In a previous article called, “Can You Franchise the Used Book Business?” I wrote the following: “I do not plan on ever franchising. I simply do not want to give the branded name of my store to someone else.” Well, almost exactly 3 years later, I’m now the CEO of Gottwals Franchising, Inc. which … Read more
In one of my first Bookshop Blog posts, I shared some of the most useful tips I’ve compiled over the last four years or so (yes, it has taken me that long to prepare to open a physical storefront; no, I wouldn’t trade that timeline, as I’ve learned so much). To summarize that post, the … Read more
In my last post, I shared some of the most useful tips I’ve compiled over the last four years or so (yes, it has taken me that long to open a physical storefront; no, I wouldn’t trade that timeline, as I’ve learned so much). To summarize that post, the three indispensable tips for prospective booksellers … Read more
A question submitted by one of our readers, Dick Baines. He would love some help from our community in finding out the proper valuation of a used bookshop. Any comments on the question are very much appreciated (just click on the Title of the article to get to the comment section). – Bruce *************************** I … Read more
by Janet Geddis of Avid Bookshop If there’s one thing I’ve learned about being a startup bookstore owner, it’s that all the time estimates you think are givens are so completely wrong. Some “difficult” steps were a breeze; other “quick” items on the to-do list took upwards of six months. I have learned a great … Read more
In Brisbane, Australia, there is a 52-year-old independent, family-owned store named the American Bookstore. Despite that this store has seen over half-a-century of excellent trading and strong customer base, the American Bookstore (ABS) has found themselves needing to relocate due to exorbitant rent in the CBD and the presently ‘border-nary’ book trade. ABS will be … Read more
I have long wanted to have a neon sign created for my bookstore. I envisioned a “moving sign” that would have glowing pages flipping in jerky stop motion, something unique and artistic to draw the eye to our store. I called around to several neon sign designers, and my dream was promptly smashed to smithereens … Read more
Find yourself in a bit of a sticky situation? All gummed up with nowhere to go! Yes, you’ve guessed correctly, it’s an article about the glamorous and exciting world of label removal. Our store has a reputation for having clean and very gently used books. This is largely due to the beautifying ritual that we … Read more
