Amazon has announced that they have raised the prices for free two day shipping to $49 and $25 for books. If you are an Amazon Prime member there is no minimum amount you have to spend to get the free two day shipping. Amazon used to charge a minimum of $35 for free two day shipping, so customers will have to spend $14 more in order to qualify under the new pricing model. … [Read more...] about Amazon Raises Free Two Day Shipping Minimum to $49
Business News and Statistics
Powell’s Books CEO Blasts Amazon
Miriam Sontz, Powell's Books CEO gave an interview on CNBC this afternoon and said that Amazon Books is a threat to existing chains and smaller bookstores.Two weeks ago a media firestorm erupted when a mall manager said that the Seattle company planned on opening up between 200 to 400 bookstores within a few years.She was also doubtful that Amazon would be able to … [Read more...] about Powell’s Books CEO Blasts Amazon
Amazon is opening a Bookstore in San Diego
Amazon is planning on opening a new bookstore in San Diego. The e-commerce giant is hiring store managers, booksellers and gadget enthusiasts. This will be the second retail location that the Seattle company has launched in the last six months.“Amazon Books is a physical retail store that offers a curated selection of books and an array of Amazon devices. We’ve applied … [Read more...] about Amazon is opening a Bookstore in San Diego
Indigo Revenues Increase 12.9%
Indigo Books and Music had a great holiday season selling books and the company has just reported that revenue has increased by 12.9%. Sales rose to $383.2 million at the Canadian retailer, while net earnings in the quarter jumped to C$52.8 million.The chain reported that increases were across all channels and categories. On a comparable store basis, Indigo and Chapters … [Read more...] about Indigo Revenues Increase 12.9%
McDonald’s Happy Meals Now Have Free Books
If you plan on making a trip to McDonald's in the next few weeks, there will be a pleasant surprise in your child's Happy Meal Box. There are four different books that will be available until February 15th.The titles that are available are Paddington by Michael Bond and illustrated by R. W. Alley. The three other titles all have Valentine's Day themes: Clark the Shark Takes … [Read more...] about McDonald’s Happy Meals Now Have Free Books
New Report Claims Amazon Will Open 400 New Bookstores
Amazon has totally disrupted the publishing industry by becoming one of the most successful print and e-book seller in the world. The allure of cheap books was one of the primary factors that contributed to the demise of Boarders and has seriously hampered Barnes and Noble's digital efforts. This was why it was so shocking to everyone when Amazon opened a physical bookstore … [Read more...] about New Report Claims Amazon Will Open 400 New Bookstores
Should Indigo and Barnes & Noble Open Boutique Shops?
Barnes & Noble and Chapters/Indigo operate hundreds of bookstores all over Canada the United States. They tend to think big, large stores with multiple levels in order to provide enough books to keep people interested. The big box approach works for some people, but others want a smaller, more curated experience. Should these booksellers open a series of small boutique … [Read more...] about Should Indigo and Barnes & Noble Open Boutique Shops?
National Book Foundation Announces 2016 Reader Prize
The National Book Foundation has just announced their 2016 prize of $10,000 for individuals or companies that are doing innovative things to promote reading. You have to live in the United States to enter, but this should be appealing towards any new startup that are doing interesting things in education or discovery. If you are thinking of entering check out their official … [Read more...] about National Book Foundation Announces 2016 Reader Prize
Amazon is Shutting Down Shelfari
Shelfari launched in 2006, a few years before the big e-book boom. Amazon was an early investor in the company and then bought it outright in 2008. The website allows users to build virtual bookshelves of the titles they own or have read, and can rate, review, tag, and discuss their books. Users can also create groups that other members may join, create discussions, and talk … [Read more...] about Amazon is Shutting Down Shelfari
Penguin Random House Drops Degree Requirements for New Jobs
Penguin Random House UK has dropped all of their degree requirements for new positions. The company is hoping to attract people who did not graduate from a top university or get a degree for anything publishing related.According to the Bookseller , human resource director Neil Morrison said he made the decision following increasing evidence that there was no simple … [Read more...] about Penguin Random House Drops Degree Requirements for New Jobs
Print Sales Increase for the Second Year in a Row
The sales of print books have increased 2.8% in 2015, which is the second year in a row that the format has posted significant gains. In 2014 paperback and hardcover books rose 2.4%.Nielsen Bookscan is reporting that in 2015 over 652 million books were sold in the United States. The data stems from major publishers who account for over 80% of print unit sales.The retail … [Read more...] about Print Sales Increase for the Second Year in a Row
Oxford Literary Festival does not pay authors – Philip Pullman resigns
The Oxford Literary Festival initially started as a very small gathering of people who loved books and wanted to talk about them. 20 years later, it's a heavily sponsored event and everyone gets paid, except authors.  This has resulted in longstanding patron Philip Pullman resigning from the festival, complaining that authors appearing at the event “are expected to work for … [Read more...] about Oxford Literary Festival does not pay authors – Philip Pullman resigns
Barnes and Noble Plans to Close 197 Bookstores by 2022
Barnes and Noble has been closing 15-20 bookstores all over the US for the last ten years. The vast majority of them are unprofitable due to sagging print sales and the rise of e-books. During a recent financial report they said they only plan to close 10 stores in 2016, but they might close more than that.Barnes and Noble currently operates over 647 bookstores in the … [Read more...] about Barnes and Noble Plans to Close 197 Bookstores by 2022