A new online bookshop has launched today that aims to take on Amazon, while supporting much smaller businesses.
Bookshop has already had more than 150 independent retailers sign up as it prepares for the run-up to Christmas, and expects that figure to push over 200 by the end of the year.
The idea is that it will act as a digital marketplace for small bookshops to sell their tomes to customers, directing them away from the likes of Amazon.
Each bookshop will have its own virtual shopfront, where online shoppers can browse curated collections of books chosen by local booksellers.
For example, family-owned Chorlton Bookshop has created virtual collections for duvet days, long winter nights, time travel and staff favourites.
Bookshop.org first launched in the US in January and has raised £5.8m for independent bookshops there.
Its popularity soared with the rise in coronavirus cases and subsequent lockdowns, as demand for books rocketed - publisher Bloomsbury reported its highest profits in 12 years last month.
Since launching its UK platform earlier today, Bookshop has already raised more than £11,000 for small retailers here on home turf.
The platform is geared towards 'socially conscious online shoppers', with books delivered within two to three days.
It says it's committed to ensuring that retailers receive their full profit margin from each sale (about 30 per cent of each cover price).
Bookshop.org founder and chief executive Andy Hunter said: "Bookshops are essential to a healthy culture, and online sales are vital to safeguarding their future.
"Covid-19 has added further urgency to the need for bookshops to compete for online sales."
The UK operation has been launched by former Etsy international boss Nicole Vanderbilt.
She said: "At a time when Amazon has enjoyed even greater advantage over high street competitors as a result of the pandemic, Bookshop.org offers a socially conscious alternative to customers wishing to shop online, while supporting bookshops in competing in an ecommerce environment.
"We’re delighted to be launching in the UK and look forward to working with bookshops, publishers, authors and beyond across the UK, while offering customers an entirely new online shopping experience."
