Independent Bookstores Make Sense

An independent bookstore is a bookstore not owned by a national megachain like Barnes & Noble or Borders Books and Music. Independent bookstores normally have a loyal local customer base, normally know the kinds of books their customers buy, maintain an inventory which reflects their customers' needs, and frequently know a customer by name and by the type of book (s)he buys. There is no formal database or mining technology for many independent bookstores; all their bookseller information is stored in their own heads or hearts.

Among the independent bookstores left in the market, these values still hold true. Yet the number of independents is dwindling. Not only are the megachains siphoning off their market share, but the enormous impact of e-commerce and online bookselling is yet another competitive reality with which the independents must contend.

We could close our eyes and say that technology and megachains are the way of the world. We could slowly disappear like many privately-owned and independent retail establishments of the past (think: neighborhood furniture, hardware, or grocery stores). But we won't. This is where BookSense (http://www.booksense.com) becomes central to our strategy. What is BookSense? How does it work? And how will it serve you, our customer, better?

BookSense was created to enable book buyers to distinguish independent booksellers from chain stores (on- or off-line), and to inform our customers that independent booksellers are committed to serving "independent minds". So any time you see the BookSense logo on bags, bookmarks, posters, or in the windows of bookstores, you can be certain that you're supporting an independent bookstore.

Before you go to that megachain that just moved into the neighborhood or go online to an online megachain (you know who we mean), think about it twice or even three times.

What makes the most sense? Harvard Book Store and BookSense, of course!