Hello all!

Fall isn’t far away, but we have a few more weeks of summer still to enjoy. This month’s newsletter includes new resources, info about upcoming events, and some important updates and reminders.

Let’s get into it, shall we?

Summer Contest Update

 

Our #BookstoreTourist contest on Instagram ends next week!

The contest encouraged readers to add indies to their summer travel (or staycation) plans. Readers have used IndieBookstores.ca to plan their itineraries and posted photos of their indie bookstore visits on Instagram, tagging @indiebookstoresCA and using #BookstoreTourist to enter.

To keep momentum up, we’ve given away 3-audiobook credit bundles every week, thanks to Libro.fm. Our most recent winner was Jamie, who posted about Thistle Bookshop & Café in St. Catharines, ON.

In early September, we will randomly select one winner from the pool of entries to win the grand prize: a $500 prepaid credit card and a bundle of travel books courtesy of Lonely Planet and Raincoast Books.

The contest runs until Friday, September 6, so it’s a great time to remind customers who may want a shot at the grand prize! Rules can be found here.

Register Now: Upcoming Events

CIBA Coffee Break: Q&A in Advance of the AGM
Tuesday, September 10
10am PT, 11am MT, 12pm CT, 1pm ET, 2pm AT, 2:30pm Newfoundland

This dedicated session will ensure Bookseller Members feel informed in advance of the 2024 AGM. Please bring your questions about pending votes so we can provide answers and/or gather more information on specific topics to share during the AGM, if appropriate. 

As this year’s AGM will be more streamlined, this session will be important for those who value the dedicated Q&A time and/or wish to vote in advance. This session is open to Bookseller Members (as CIBA’s voting members). 

Ask Us ANYTHING!: Holiday Preparation and Marketing
Thursday, September 26
4pm PT, 5pm MT, 6pm CT, 7pm ET, 8pm AT, 8:30pm Newfoundland

Do you have a burning question you’d like to ask a pro-bookseller? Here’s your chance to ask us anything that will help you prepare for the holiday season! Join CIBA’s team of experienced bookseller mentors for a special event. From sideline planning to replenishment strategies, from staffing to social media marketing—simply log on and ask all your burning questions!

Recording: Visual Marketing Tips for Booksellers

For an object made up almost entirely of words, books are often better marketed in a visual format. In this recording you can learn the industry secrets of mobile photography, social media video tips, and more from Ariel Hudnall, Managing Director of Zg Stories. This session will help you elevate your consumer marketing with the public.

Not a CIBA member? Join now to access a range of benefits, including access to live events, recordings, and other business resources. 

Bookselling Guide: New Content Added

CIBA is pleased to announce the publication of a new chapter of The Guide to Bookselling in Canada called “Succession Planning: Buying and Selling Bookstore Businesses.”

When you’re living your dream of running an independent bookstore, it may be difficult to imagine a future for the store that doesn’t include you. But it’s never too early to start thinking about the future of your store. Would you sell? Close? Gift your store to current employees? Now is the time to start asking these questions and putting the plans in place to allow for a smooth transition.

CIBA has created a suite of resources for booksellers, by booksellers, that will help you navigate the succession planning process. We’ve also curated several existing resources to help you along the way.

Disclaimer: This guide is intended for member use only and users do not have permission to share this content with the general public. If you are not a CIBA member but would like access to the guide, please join today.

Resource: Conflict Resolution & De-escalation Strategies for Retailers

Bookstores are an integral part of local communities. But what makes bookstores great—personalized, one-on-one service—can also create more opportunities for conflict. Together with BookNet Canada, we invited former bookseller and community worker, Sarah Ramsey, to offer some guidance on conflict resolution and de-escalation tailored to book retailers.

You can now visit the Member Blog for tips on how to resolve or de-escalate conflicts that may arise in your store, as well as a downloadable poster for your break room that contains a quick and handy reminder of effective techniques.

If you aren’t a CIBA member, you can join now to access a treasure trove of business resources, event recordings, and more.

Register Now: 2024 AGM

Registration is now open for our 2024 AGM, which will take place on Wednesday, September 18 via Zoom at 7:00pm ET!

As per our bylaws, the AGM is only open to the Bookseller Members. We will record the meeting and save it to the Member Hub for on-demand viewing. Likewise, our annual report will be accessible to our entire community.

Please contact Laura Carter with any questions at this time.

Checking in with BookNet Canada

Our colleagues at BookNet Canada continue to provide unique content and helpful resources related to the Canadian book industry.

Right now, you can:

Enjoy!

 
 
 

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