Bookstore Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Bookstore Competitive Analysis

TY’s Bookstore will face competition from other bookstores in the area. A profile of the competitor companies are below.

 

Direct and Indirect Competitors

Annie Bloom’s Books

Annie Bloom’s Books first opened in 1978. They are a neighborhood independent bookstore that carries a range of new books across many genres. Along with a strong fiction section, they offer a wide variety of children’s/young adult, travel, current events, and cooking. Annie Bloom’s also sells magazines, art supplies, puzzles, and cards. There is also a large selection of bargain books on sale. If a customer would like a book that is not in stock, one of the friendly customer service associates will be happy to order it for the customer. The book will usually arrive in 2 – 3 business days. Customers are also able to purchase books online through Annie Bloom’s website.

The sections of Annie Bloom’s Books includes staff picks, bargain books, limited signed copies, Annie Blooms’ bestsellers, indie next list, notebooks and journals, planners and desk calendars, independent bookstore day exclusives, and Oregon Battle of the Books Lists.

Powell’s Books

Known as the world’s largest independent bookstore, Powell’s Books is Portland’s legendary bookstore serving book lovers since 1971. As a family-owned independent bookstore, they strive to offer the same variety and richness of experience as the books on their shelves. Powell’s focuses on diverse perspectives, upholding the free exchange of ideas, championing the enduring power of books, and bolstering the great community of readers and authors they’re lucky to be a part of.

Aside from their large selection of books, Powell’s Books also offers signed editions, award winners, souvenirs, and book club subscriptions. Through Powells.com and their expansive online community, they set out to reach readers around the world. Their mission is to be the world’s best destination for readers, a place that fosters a culture of reading and connects people with the books they’ll love.

Broadway Books

Broadway Books is a locally owned, independent bookstore committed to bringing the community great books in whatever format suits the customer best. They have been an active member of the northeastern Portland community since 1992. They take great pride in helping the customer find wonderful reads, in bringing together authors and readers in an interactive environment, in supporting local authors, and in being a supportive member of a vibrant, diverse NE Broadway neighborhood.

Broadway Books mostly sells new books, but they also have a selection of used books, sale books, and non-book items such as greeting cards, calendars, journals, games and puzzles, paintings, and holiday-specific items. They are also able to order new books that are not in stock at no additional charge. Broadway Books is also able to gift wrap any purchase for free.

 

Competitive Advantage

TY’s Bookstore will be able to offer the following advantages over their competition:

  • Wide selection of new books and large selection from independent authors.
  • Competitive pricing that can undercut the competition.
  • Book club subscription service that offers members the chance for a weekly book to be mailed directly to their home or available for pick up.
  • Will support emerging independent authors the chance for their book to be displayed and have book signing events for them.