Boston Globe: Indie Bookstores an 'Unchained Success'

In the April 2 article "Unchained Success: Independent bookstores holding up vs. big rivals," the Boston Globe presents a picture of independent bookstores that is typically underreported -- how they can compete effectively with chains. The story focuses on the success of Boston's Brookline Booksmith, which outlasted a nearby Barnes & Noble, and also reports on the profitability of other area independent bookstores, including Porter Square Books and Harvard Book Store, both in Cambridge.

The article quotes Brookline Booksmith Manager Dana Brigham, who discussed why the public is more invested in the support of indies. "I do think there's a swing back to valuing local and independent," she told the newspaper. "Small and local can be good places to do business and very healthy for your community." Among the reasons why independents have kept sales relatively stable, when bookstore chains are reporting nine percent declines or higher, said the Globe: "community involvement, personalized service, events, e-commerce, and such extras as cafes or gifts or used books."

ABA COO Oren Teicher also commented on the health of independent bookselling. "Independent booksellers in the United States, while things are very tough and even tougher in the current environment, have figured out a model that works," Teicher told the Globe.

The Globe noted that Porter Square Books and Harvard Book Store in Cambridge, Newtonville Books in Newton, Buttonwood Books & Toys in Cohasset, Willow Books & Cafe in Acton, and Book Ends in Winchester all reported that they are weathering the current economic storm, and Newtonville is, in fact, seeing an increase in growth.