Independent stores "have been able to survive, thrive and even launch in spite of competition from big box retailers... by becoming more a part of the fabric in the communities they serve, offering more personalized service and unique ambience than the bigger guys," the Associated Press reported.
Among the indie retailers featured was FoxTale Book Shoppe, Woodstock, Ga., where "the strategy is building relationships with customers and the community. The staff spends time chatting with customers about books, knows customers' tastes and recommends books," the AP noted, adding: "As a result of its small-bookstore feel and personalized services, sales at FoxTale have increased between 15% and 25% a year since it opened in 2007--despite Barnes & Noble's proximity."
"We aren't so much selling the book as we are selling the experience," said co-owner Ellen Ward.