BTW News Briefs

NRF Predicts Gift Cards & Books Among Popular Gifts for Mother's Day

According to the National Retail Federation's 2006 Mother's Day Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, conducted by BIGresearch, spending for Mother's Day this year is anticipated to reach $13.8 billion. The average person plans to spend $122.16, up from last year's $104.63.

The study also found that high prices at the gas pumps would not deter purchases of luxury gifts. Consumers planning to surprise mom with a trip to the spa or a massage will spend a total of $928 million, compared to last year's $644 million. Those planning to splurge on jewelry will spend a total of $2.1 billion compared to $1.7 billion in 2005. Treating mom to a special outing such as brunch or dinner will cost consumers a total of $2.8 billion, up from $2.2 billion last year. Other popular items include flowers (67.6 percent), greeting cards (85.4 percent), gift certificates or gift cards (31.9 percent), books and CDs (25.8%), and electronics or computer related accessories (6.7 percent).

Canadian Booksellers Association Celebrates Independents

On April 21, 2006, hundreds of independent booksellers in Canada will open their doors to policy makers, the media, and the public, as the Canadian Booksellers Association (CBA) holds its annual Independents' Day celebration. Similar to the American Independent Business Alliance's Independents Week, the event -- now in its second year -- was conceived to underline the important cultural and economic impact that independent booksellers make on their communities. For this daylong celebration, Canadian booksellers are inviting authors, publishers, and government officials to share in a range of festivities.

"It's remarkable to see how many different ways booksellers of all types from across the country have chosen to mark this wonderful day," said Susan Dayus, CBA Executive Director. According to Dayus, the purpose of the event is to inform visitors about why independent bookstores matter to Canadians. Specifically, CBA wants people to recognize how significant booksellers are to promoting regional literature, increasing literacy, encouraging independent thought and enhancing society's creativity and diversity.

Random House's New Program a Mystery

Random House Trade Paperbacks will launch a new program, Mortalis, featuring mysteries and thrillers that are historical and/or international in scope, in Spring 2007. The list will include trade paperback originals as well as reprints of classic mysteries, international thrillers, and the occasional tale of true crime. "Mortalis gives us an ideal way to introduce the best new writers, as well as to celebrate the masters in these genres," said Jane von Mehren, vice president and publisher, Trade Paperbacks, Random House Publishing Group.

Mortalis will republish some classic authors, such as Martin Cruz Smith, P.D. James, Robert Harris, Agatha Christie, and Wilkie Collins. The first list in Spring '07 will include three original trade paperbacks. Featuring new packaging, each title will contain a "dossier" in the back -- a brand new commentary section that illuminates a specific and intriguing aspect of the work, or the author's career.