Two bookstores in Newfoundland and Labrador are optimistic that a nationwide online sales initiative designed to support independent businesses will attract new clientele.
The platform, known as Booksellers.ca, was introduced earlier this year by Les Librairies indépendantes du Québec. It aims to serve as a “collective salesforce” for independent bookstores, enabling them to compete with large online retailers and major web companies.
Marnie Parsons, the owner and operator of Running the Goat and Broadsides located in Tors Cove, mentioned that she recently became a member, making her one of about 160 members across Canada, with two located in Newfoundland and Labrador.
“The entire concept is based on the idea that there is power in numbers. The more bookstores there are, the greater the connection, increasing the chances that when individuals search online for a book, they will consider options beyond Chapters, Indigo, or Amazon,” Parsons explained to CBC News.
Customers can visit the Booksellers website, search for a specific book title, and find out where it is available from a member store, Parsons noted. They have the option to either pick it up from the store or have it shipped. If the title is not currently in stock, the bookstore can place an order for it.
As a publisher, Parsons states that the platform can also assist new readers in discovering her books. (Rachel Dragland)
Parsons expressed that the platform simplifies the process for customers to support independent bookstores.
<p“Supporting small businesses is crucial. If we unite and collaborate, we can counteract the larger multinational corporations and massive chains that often undercut smaller enterprises,” she asserted.
As a small publisher in addition to running a bookstore, Parsons highlighted that the platform provides her with a unique benefit. Her website has been incorporated into the Booksellers platform, allowing every book she has published to be accessible to readers nationwide.
“While people may not purchase directly from me, if they are searching for ‘Andy Jones’ online and discover that he published a book in 2009 that they were unaware of, they can order it from their local bookstore if they wish,” she said.
‘Part of the Canadian community’
Kerri Neil, who owns Downtown Comics in St. John’s, reported that she has noticed a “trickle” of sales coming through the platform thus far.
“It’s incredibly thrilling to see a sale come through for a location I’ve never heard of in Quebec or B.C.,” she remarked, adding that it feels “wonderful to be part of the Canadian community.”
Neil indicated that the platform allows bookstores to connect with customers in more rural regions that may lack local bookstores.
“I’ve been receiving considerably more orders from very rural areas,” Neil stated. “Many people do not have access to a bookstore in their community… They have no choice but to shop online.”
Kerri Neil from Downtown Comics notes that the platform aids individuals in rural areas to purchase books. (Tim Johnston)
By utilizing Booksellers and supporting a local business, she believes that funds remain within the community rather than being directed toward “launching a rocket into space.”
Parsons mentioned that the platform does take a small, manageable commission from sales and offers favorable postal rates, highlighting that shipping is free for orders exceeding $49, which is “better than what I receive through my own website platform and significantly better than my general postage rates.”
Neil added, “I believe it is quite competitive with Amazon as a comprehensive shopping solution.”
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