Local

Local Bookstores Survive Despite Online Competitors

August 13th, 2013

How long has it been since you went to a local bookstore? Many local book sellers had to close their doors because they couldn’t compete with online retailers like Amazon.com. But there are still a few survivors.

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One Atlanta bookstore that has outlasted stores like Oxford Books and Chapter 11 is A Capella Books in Inman Park. It’s been around for 24 years and used to sell only used, out-of-print, and rare books. Owner Frank Reiss says he still sells those.

But as online retailers came on the scene, Reiss says, used and hard-to-find books became less hard-to-find, and their prices dropped, making them hard to compete with. So, he started selling more new books. Across the country, some independent bookstores have taken donations to try and stay afloat. A Capella hasn’t done that, but Reiss says, they’ve had to think bigger.

“A big part of our business doesn’t even take part in our store,” he says. “We host a lot of author events primarily at the Carter Library, Carter Center, and at other venues around town.”

It seems to be working. Reiss says the last 4-5 years have been the store’s best in terms of revenue. A similar tale can be told for Decatur’s Little Shop of Stories. Co-owner Dave Schallenberger says the 8-year-old bookstore specializes in children’s books.

“There’s no way we can compete with Amazon on price, and there’s no way we can compete with Barnes and Noble in terms of overall inventory,” he says. “But having a niche and having people who are really dedicated and really knowledgeable sets us apart from everyone else.”

Schallenberger says that has allowed the store to grow and become more profitable each year.

The playing field between online retailers and local brick and mortar booksellers may become more level. Amazon.com has reportedly agreed to collect Georgia sales tax on purchases starting September 1.