Bookshop.org "is coming to the U.K. in time for Christmas after smashing its U.S. sales targets since launching in late January," the Bookseller reported, adding that the U.K. team "is in place, working remotely, and speaking to shops and publishers. There will be another month of software development with the aim of getting bookshops on board for a November launch."
Nicole Vanderbilt, former international v-p for Etsy, is managing director of Bookshop's U.K. operations. She is joined by publisher and affiliate manager Jasper Sutcliffe, former Foyles head of buying, and bookshop partnership manager Mark Thornton, former owner of Mostly Books. All packaging and distribution in the U.K. will be managed by Gardners, with books delivered direct to customers, while Bookshop handles customer service.
"It's a little bit insane to try and launch in the U.K. when we just got our arms around the U.S. business," said Andy Hunter, Bookshop's founder and CEO. "But the Booksellers Association in the U.K. started reaching out to me in the spring as well as many independent bookstores and publishers."
In the U.S., Bookshop serves approximately 900 stores and expects sales of $50 million in its first year--10 times what the team had originally estimated. So far, it's raised $6.65 million for indie bookstores. Hunter said it had been a "white knuckle ride" to scale up so quickly as the Covid-19 pandemic accelerated indie bookstore demand for the company's services, but August was a stable month.
Hunter recalled that at a board meeting held to discuss accelerating the U.K. operation, "We all decided that, if there's a chance we could help U.K. bookstores survive the pandemic that we should take the risk and try." While his goal is £10 million (about $13.4 million) in sales annually, he would be happy with half of that in the first year. "At that level about £3 million [about $4 million] would be going into the indie bookstore ecosystem which is substantial enough to feel like that makes a difference. I think the market could support it."
Vanderbilt credited Bookshop's success in the U.S. as an advantage for the U.K. launch: "This isn't an abstract concept. People can actually go to the website see what it's doing and hear either directly from booksellers or read in the press accounts from booksellers about how much this is helping them during this really difficult time. So we have found a really positive response."
Booksellers Association managing director Meryl Halls added: "We've seen Bookshop.org emerge as an innovative partner for U.S. indie booksellers, and its mission to support and empower bookshops online is ever-more important in the U.K.--especially now, as the high street rebuilds, consumers tentatively return to shops, and retailers need to continue to offer a hybrid model to their customers.... A high-profile alternative to Amazon in the lead up to Christmas can only help high street independents achieve increased cut-through online with Amazon-averse consumers, authors and others who want to support their local high streets and shop independently."
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BooksActually, the indie bookseller in Singapore that has achieved a measure of international renown during its nearly 15 years in business, is transforming fully into an online store. The physical bookshop, which has been closed for several months due to Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, will not reopen.
In a letter announcing the decision, owner Kenny Leck wrote: "As the world changes around us, the bookstore has to move in tandem as well.... It is a new beginning for all of us, not just our team but also for you, accompanying us on this journey ahead. As horrible as the pandemic has been, it has also given BooksActually its 'Online Store Sea Legs.' After nearly half a year of being solely an Online Store, we are now ready to make it a reality.
"Going into this next lap, we hope to have your continued support and love. Regardless of the uncertainties or vulnerabilities this year of change has imposed on all of us, one thing we know for sure is that the bookstore will be here for a very long time. Or at least where I am concerned, I am very certain that she, BooksActually will continue to be your 'neighborhood' bookstore long after I am gone.
"When Singapore eventually turns the corner, and goes into Phase 3, we will bring back our weekly literary events too. I mean what is BooksActually without its annual #BuySingLit street party, and the truly maddening but iconic 24 Hour Bookstore and The World's Loneliest Bookstore. In the meantime, we hope you continue to stay safe and keep well. The bookstore, myself and the book elves will see you online as we look forward to more exciting bookselling adventures ahead." --Robert Gray