Paperback Dreams
Megan and I went to a showing of Paperback Dreams: An Ode to Independent Bookstores last night at Decatur’s PushPush Theater. A panel discussion followed with the maker of the film and several owners of local independent bookstores (including: OutWrite Bookstore, Little Shop of Stories, Blue Elephant, and A Cappella Books).
The film, which will likely be showing on a public broadcasting station near you in the future, was quite good. It told the story of the plight of two independent bookstores in California and doing so brought many questions concerning local economies and independent merchants.
We’re spoiled in Decatur that when we think of going to buy something other than groceries, or going out to eat, what springs first to mind are primarily indie stores. Decatur’s just like that. But it won’t stay that way unless residents continue and improve their support.
Bookstores, especially, take a huge amount of startup money and run very close returns. One of the scenes that will stick with me from the film is the hundreds of “faithful customers” who showed up for the indie book stores closing. They were heartbroken and said things like, “I love this store, I buy all my books here.” But a survey found that under 30% of their book purchases were actually from the indie store–and these are some huge stores with enormous stocks.
The forum brought up a few interesting marketing ideas that book stores are considering, but at the end of the day this phrase sums it up: put your money where you house is.
A trailer for the movie:
Connect Online
found your name on another presby blog, and had to come tell you….my son’s name is Adam Copeland S.! My maiden name is Copeland, so as the last grandchild, I wanted him to carry on the family name! Cool, huh? Oh, and I am also the daughter of a retired United Methodist minister! Blessings upon you, Adam Copeland!
this movie seems to have stolen its plot almost entirely from “You’ve Got Mail”. what could they not afford tom hanks?
whats up adam? just found the blog (after talking to Buz actually), i’ll be watching…occasionally.
/\ was my comment. not good with computers.
Blair
“One of the scenes that will stick with me from the film is the hundreds of “faithful customers” who showed up for the indie book stores closing. They were heartbroken and said things like, “I love this store, I buy all my books here.” But a survey found that under 30% of their book purchases were actually from the indie store–”
i am in retail, a florist to be exact, last April the shop I work in decided that the continuing rent increases, decreasing sales and just the complete lack of foot traffic were just not going to allow us to remain in our location. We moved to the owners house to save money. Recently I took a call from someone that wanted to stop by and pick up flowers on their way to the grocery store. I went through the now standard messge about not being in the old location any more and that we were no longer able to have orders picked up. To this the person responded, “But I buy all of my flowers from you…I did not know you m,oved, when was that?” I pointed out that we had moved six months ago. Yeah, shy buys flowers all the time from us, just not in the last six months! Then she had the nerve to ask if there was another shop she could use.
it is bad enough that people just don’t buy like they might have at one time, economey or not. but to claim that they were your best customer really gets me. I know that flowers are a luxery thing, the same could be said about books (except for you and me…) But please at least feel some remorse when a store closes and you could have supported it better.
Great, well, sad story Bob. Good to remember for those of us who consider ourselves “loyal customers.”