Book retailing

Remainder books in newsagencies are often placed flat on a trestle table or in a dump bin. That is what we did for ages. Then, we tried treating them with pride, by displaying them in a way similar to what you may see in a bookshop.

This simple change boosted good sales to excellent sales.

Better still, customers commented, complimenting the display.

The photo shows part of the display. It’s located mid-store and is working better than the dump bins we had at the front of the store.

This particular store is not a bookshop, not even close. We are limited by the lease as to the percentage of floorspace we have give over to books. This display is us at capacity.

The change is display from something that looked cheap and somewhat apologetic to this display that is classy and proud lifts the shop and sees the return on investment from books growing beyond already good sales. It took a few minutes to create. The initiate was by a new team member who thought they could do better … and they did, for which I am grateful.

Bookshop by WH Smith at Gatwick airport is impressive. While the product mix, table fixtures and shelving are not that different to the usual book retail in airports, the colour, signage and lighting choices give Bookshop a fresh and noticeable look.

Book retail in transit locations is strong. Range and ease of shopping are key. Giving an experience that takes you out of the usual airport rush and noise is important.

I like Bookshop. What they have done with this is fresh compared to the traditional high street retail we see from WH Smith.

Here are some photos that illustrate these points.

This guarantee at a book outlet at Melbourne airport is interesting. If you don’t love the book you can get your money back. While I understand that guarantees are often not called in, the offer is interesting. It makes the purchase feel less risky. The retailer is smart and long-term. They would be making the pitch because it works.

I love this Valentine’s Day window display at Foyles bookshop in Birmingham. Its connection of books with Valentine’s Day is terrific.

Amazon, the online giant credited with driving many bookshops out of business, has opened a physical shop in the US. The move is not an endorsement of the old bookshop. From what I read it is a nextgen offer from the continually innovating Amazon.

I like the placement of the stand promoting the James Patterson kids book Middle School next to the newspaper stand at an airport outlet in Melbourne. Patterson has been in town this week – interest should be strong. I know newsagents who would love to have easy access to new book releases.

While independent newsagents can access books, it is challenging to organise for new titles and on good terms.

The Drover is an excellent book opportunity for newsagents. It makes for an excellent gift, especially as we prepare for Mother’s Day.

I know of plenty of newsagents who have achieved good sales of this wonderful all-Australian coffee table book. The Drover tells a wonderful story in pictures. I’ve seen people of all ages enjoy it.

Click here for a flyer on an offer for The Drover.

Read what Alice Mabin the author says:

It has been a real challenge but rewarding at the same time,  to self publish and distribute my own book. The fact that book shops have not stocked my book has been a bit of a blessing in disguise as it has made me think outside the box to promote and distribute my book and still make it a success.

The Drover is a terrific small business story which should resonate with newsagents.

Footnote: I have no commercial relationship with Alice Mabin whatsoever. I endorse this book and the opportunity because I love Slice’s story.

This is a product tip I heard about from Peter at newsXpress Emerald.  The Drover by photographer Al Mabin is a wonderful photography book documenting a 2,000km cattle run of 18,000 head of cattle through two states. It’s selling exceptionally well at newsXpress Emerald and could sell well in other cattle country areas. Here are reasons for newsagents to get behind The Drover: It is self published, it beautifully documents Australia and this Australian event, customers love it, it’s a great Aussie story. Contact Al directly to purchase the book at wholesale for sale in your newsagency. You can be part of a terrific local story.

Check out the very cool kids book reading and sales nook I saw in a bookshop at Auckland airport. It was in the centre of the shop – a play area kids could be within easy view of parents browsing the shop. Out of shot in the photo is a couple of kid-size seats.  Very cool.

I spent some time at the Dymocks flagship store in Sydney earlier in the week and was surprised at how far it had evolved from a traditional bookshop offering. While they still sell books, they have a strong representation of gifts, cards, social stationery, gadgets and toys / games. The photo shows part of their toy / game area which is in the front part of the store. I’d say it’s located here because it’s an important part of their offer.

The borders between retail niches have become blurred in recent years and this will be even more so as more niches encounter challenges from online.

Smart retailers today don’t define their businesses by the traditional past of the channel. They focus on what they can sell regardless of whether it neatly fits the business they offer. This is why we see newsagents doing so well today with gifts, plush, jewellery, toys, homewares and fashion.

Being a retailer and not an agent means we have to continually evolve our businesses, to make the most of the opportunities we see where we can generate and nurture our own traffic from decisions we make – even if the products are outside of what we have traditionally offered.

We have the David Marr Power Trip Rudd v. Abbott book next to our newspapers. This is perfect placement and perfect timing for the book – delivering nice extra margin dollars when purchased on impulse by a newspaper shopper. This is a good example of paying attention to what we sell and locating product for maximum advantage. The book appeals to people who support either politician.

T.B. CLARK BOOK BARGAINS PTY LTD, the company operating the All Books For Less retail group, has gone into external administration. Some stores are closed and some have already been taken over by other operators.  This will be good news for newsagents located near All Books For Less outlets.

Stand alone book retailing is tough. There is an opportunity for books in newsagencies.

While book retailers have their challenges, US book retailer Barnes & Noble have additional challenges as Laura Hazard Owen writes at paidContent.