We are seeing book sales continue to grow with food and children’s titles doing exceptionally well. We all but sold out of children’s books which we brought in for our Father’s Day Book Sale and are close to selling out of food. We are adding stock as there appears to be no let up in demand and school holidays will provide an opportunity for growth.
With a margin above 50% and sale or return terms, books are also popular from a management and risk perspective. The margin allows us to compete with outposts in the shopping centre. We do this by running 25% off sales occasionally for a short period.
Books are key to us achieving an above average overall gross profit for the business. They are also a central part of our basket building strategy.
For what it’s worth, our approach to books in-store is as follows:
- Four to five book sales a year.
- Display on trestle tables. No frills.
- Place close to the greeting card department – in a high traffic location. The basket penetration of books with cards is high.
- Simple signage: BOOK SALE.
- Refresh the table regularly during each day.
- Move categories within the sale each week.
- Change the high traffic sides of the tables at least weekly.
- Segment books by interest.
- Promote the launch of each sale with a catalogue in around 5,000 letterboxes around the store.
- Understand that stock – to guide customers looking for a gift.
I am sure that others have their success stories with books. Make a comment and share…
Mark, not quite the comment you are probably seeking but in our case books are doing well for us. However we have recently put in some toys (Typically sell price under $20) and they are starting to move very well. We have come to the conclusion that in our business Mothers and children are the target market for books (and of course toys). Have played with gifts, but i think we have only been half pregnant and to be successful one needs to put in a larger range. Have had some moderate success with Jenlist phones and computer games (PS3 etc..). We are a dormitory suburb on a corner of Melbourne and are trying to focus on customer needs that are not available (or have limited availability) locally. Traditional newsagent product starting to sell after a quiet period and Tatts OK.
Would love to be able to scan books to better track titles or category.
Craig scanning books is easy.
There is excellent synergy between books, toys, cards and magazines. The first three drive margin and the latter drives the traffic.
we have book sale permanently now infront of our shop and the sale keep growing
Hi Guys
Where do you source your books from?
Thanks
Steve