ABACUS Deadline Extended to July 31

Booksellers should note that -- with ABA's offices closed from Friday, June 24, through Monday, July 4 (re-opening Tuesday, July 5), while the association moves to its new address at 200 White Plains Rd., Tarrytown, NY 10591 -- the deadline for submission to the ABACUS survey is extended from June 30 to July 31. As an added incentive, booksellers who submit completed surveys by July 31 will receive a $50 coupon good toward their next ABA dues renewal.

"Thank you to all of the stores who have already submitted surveys," said David Walker, ABA director of special projects. "As I have said previously, we need at least 200 stores to participate in this year's survey, and we are getting closer to that number every day. And please be assured that, although we are moving back the submission deadline, we are still planning to send out reports by the end of the summer."

With 181 ABA member bookstores submitting data to the survey last year, the ABACUS study is establishing a standard against which each store's financial results can be measured, providing participants, as well as the bookselling community as a whole, with invaluable information.

Completing the survey takes approximately an hour and in return ABA member booksellers receive:

• A detailed, customized report tailored to their business;
• Analyses of how their bookstore measures up to similar independent bookstores;
• An executive summary of this year's overall financial health of the participating independent bookstores;
• Key insights into the drivers of independent bookstore profitability;
• Year-to-year trending data as a group and individually for those who had participated before; and
• Opportunities to participate in ancillary studies.

All information provided to the ABACUS study is kept strictly confidential. To access the easy-to-use ABACUS Web form, click here.

Questions about the ABACUS study should be directed to Walker at [email protected].