Decoder with Nilay Patel Rewind: Bookshop CEO's crusade to save books from Amazon
8 snips
Aug 28, 2025 Andy Hunter, the CEO and founder of Bookshop.org, discusses his mission to empower independent bookstores against the encroachment of Amazon. He shares impressive results, including a million dollars in ebook sales, and highlights a rise in consumer support for local retailers. The conversation dives into current book trends shaped by societal changes, the ongoing battle against book bans, and the challenges of digital rights in the ebook market. Hunter advocates for a thriving literary community that embraces diverse voices and champions alternatives to monopolistic giants.
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Launch Born From Publishing Frustration
- Andy Hunter launched Bookshop.org in January 2020 to help indie bookstores sell online and survive Amazon's dominance.
- The pandemic accelerated adoption as customers and stores moved online immediately.
Wholesale Partnership Scales Indies
- Hunter partnered with wholesalers so bookstores don't need large inventory or fulfillment systems.
- This lets small stores sell many titles online without handling shipping or returns.
Prioritize Bookstore Economics And Ease
- Give bookstores the full profit from direct sales to secure their buy-in and trust.
- Use simple, fast onboarding so stores can start selling in minutes during crises.
