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Independent Bookstore Day was a success for many

Inspired by 2014's California Bookstore Day, the first Independent Bookstore Day was held on May 2. Many stores reported an increase in sales.

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Joanne Ciccarello
Broadside Bookshop is located in Northampton, MA.
  • By Molly Driscoll Staff Writer

Did you check out your local independent bookstore on May 2? You weren’t the only one.

Independent bookstores celebrated the first Independent Bookstore Day (inspired by California Bookstore Day) this past weekend and according to industry newsletter Shelf Awareness, executive director of IBD producer Northern California Independent Booksellers Association Hut Landon said more than 20 stores told him sales were better for that day than the same day last year.

Avid Bookshop of Athens, Ga. had a particularly good day. According to Shelf Awareness, Avid's sales on May 2 had already beaten the sales from May 4, 2014 (which was a Saturday) by 11 a.m. In all, sales increased 270 percent.

As we previously reported, indie stores offered special merchandise for the day and various celebrations to get patrons in the door. 

Some stores tweeted about how well the day was going and patrons reported back, too.

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