Andy Hunter, founder and CEO of Bookshop.org, discusses how the online book retailer is revolutionizing the industry by donating over 80% of its profits to independent bookstores. They explore the origins of Bookshop.org, the challenges faced in launching the platform, and the importance of supporting bookstores. Hunter also recommends Benjamin Labutud and shares the joy of exploring unique finds in independent bookstores.
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores by sharing profits from online book sales, providing an alternative to Amazon.
Andy Hunter shares his personal connection to books and the importance of their role in shaping our understanding of the world and ourselves.
Deep dives
Supporting Independent Bookstores
Andy Hunter, founder and CEO of bookshop.org, discusses how his platform supports brick-and-mortar bookstores by sharing profits from online book sales. Bookshop.org allows users to easily purchase books and curates lists based on bookstore recommendations, providing an alternative to Amazon. The platform has gained significant traction during the pandemic and has raised over $27 million for independent bookstores. Hunter shares his vision of growing Bookshop.org's market share in online book sales and expanding to include e-books, ultimately benefiting local bookstores and their employees.
The Origins of Bookshop.org
Andy Hunter talks about the origins of Bookshop.org and his motivation to support independent bookstores. He highlights the impact of Amazon's dominance in the book industry and the homogenization of books. Hunter explains his initial idea of creating an indie version of Amazon and his journey of securing partnerships and investors. He emphasizes the urgency to launch Bookshop.org due to the increasing market share of Amazon. Hunter also discusses the challenges faced during the initial phase, including website development and the unexpected surge in demand after the launch.
Joining Bookshop.org and its Impact
Listeners are encouraged to support their local independent bookstores by joining Bookshop.org. Hunter explains how users can find and support their preferred bookstore through the website's store finder feature. He also assures potential bookstore partners that joining Bookshop.org is a simple process and addresses concerns some may have about the platform. He mentions Bookshop.org's certification as a B Corporation, reflecting its commitment to societal impact and ethical practices. Finally, he discusses Bookshop.org's plan to expand its offerings to include e-books, enabling readers to support independent bookstores even when purchasing digital books.
Andy Hunter's Inspiration and Book Recommendations
Andy Hunter shares his personal connection to books and the role they played in his life, including his passion for reading and the solace he found in books during his youth. He highlights the importance of books in shaping our understanding of the world and ourselves. Hunter recommends the works of Benjamin Labattut, a Chilean writer known for deeply imagined fictional portrayals of historical figures and events. He expresses his love for all types of bookstores, including used bookstores, and the joy of discovering unique finds in different towns and cities.
Bookshop.org is an online book retailer that donates more than 80% of its profits to independent bookstores. Launched in 2020, Bookshop.org has already raised more than $27,000,000. In this interview, Andy Hunter, founder and CEO discusses his journey to creating one of the most revolutionary new organizations in the book world. Bookshop has found a way to retain the convenience of online book shopping while also supporting independent bookstores that are the backbones of many local communities.
Andy Hunter is CEO and Founder of Bookshop.org. He also co-created Literary Hub.
Caleb Zakarin is the Assistant Editor of the New Books Network.