August Workshop to Offer Business Essentials for New and Prospective Bookstore Owners

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The Bookstore Training Group of Paz & Associates will present “Owning a Bookstore: The Business Essentials,” a workshop retreat, from Monday, August 24, through Friday, August 28, on Amelia Island, Florida. The retreat will kick off with an opening reception on Sunday evening, August 23.

The program, which is co-sponsored by the American Booksellers Association, will provide essential information for anyone who is thinking of opening or buying a bookstore as well as for those who are new to the bookselling business.

Mark and Donna Paz Kaufman will facilitate the workshop; other trainers will include an SBA loan administrator, a professional lease negotiator, an architect and bookstore designer, computer system vendors and wholesalers, and ABA staff, as well as both new and seasoned bookstore owners. A small-class setting will offer the opportunity for extensive interaction and one-on-one time with the trainers.

Topics to be explored by workshop participants include:

  • how to make a profit
  • gauging your community’s ability to support a bookstore
  • assessing the strength of a location
  • understanding the key elements of store design
  • how much space will be needed to realize your vision
  • how to buy books and non-book merchandise
  • the disciplines of managing inventory
  • selecting and effectively using a bookstore computer system
  • effective and low-cost marketing strategies
  • developing an exceptional staff

Registrants will receive a copy of the Paz & Associates workbook Owning a Bookstore: The Essential Planning Guide (or a credit applied to their tuition if previously purchased). Provisional members of ABA are entitled to a $200 discount toward tuition. For the full schedule and additional information, visit PazBookBiz.com or call (904) 277-2664.

Reservations at the host hotel, Amelia Hotel at the Beach, must be made by July 22 to take advantage of discounted rates. Questions regarding the workshop should be e-mailed to [email protected].