As readers buy books from corporations like Amazon, independent bookstores are being left in the dust.
McNally Jackson is a New York-operated independent bookstore with locations across the city. Amongst the pandemic and people turning to online alternatives for their reading pleasure, McNally Jackson is pleading with New Yorkers to come and support their stores.
In a recent tweet, McNally Jackson said “Dear New York, Please come back to our stores. Sales remain down over 50% and we need you to keep this bookselling gig going. We have so many wonderful books and booksellers, all we need is you.”
Owner, Sarah McNally, joined the #BoxedOut campaign alongside other independent booksellers, as she encourages readers to shop Indie rather than online. The campaign launched when American Booksellers Association (ABA) joined forced with Brooklyn based firm, DCX Growth Accelerator, to shed light on a dominant online competitor, Amazon.
On Tuesday, October 13th, independent bookstores across the country participated in the campaign by piling boxes in front of their stores designed to look like Amazon packages. According to the ABA’s Instagram, box labels read “Anyone else feel weird about making a $1.6 trillion company even richer?” and “Don’t let indie bookstores become a work of fiction.”
McNally Jackson advised those fearful of crowds and lines to order by phone/online for pickup and curbside services or to visit early in the day. As sales have immensely reduced over the past couple of months, the store needs more incoming customers to survive.
Independent bookstores “are in a fight for survival,” McNally told CNN. After 16 years since their first original store opened, she has finally joined the ABA to help spread awareness to consumers that they have the power to keep these community safe havens alive.
McNally Jackson was first founded in 2004 and has been a staple in Manhattan’s literary culture ever since. Locations can be found in Nolita, Williamsburg, Seaport, and City Point. Open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., masks are required upon entry and social distancing guidelines are to be followed.
More for book lovers: These Free Mini Libraries Popping Up Around NYC Are Dedicated To Sharing BIPOC Voices
featured image source: Facebook/ McNally Jackson