Bookshop

Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores across the US and UK. Launched in the US in early 2020, it enables independent bookshops to create their own virtual storefronts on the Bookshop.org platform, receiving 30% of the cover price for each sale made through their storefront. If a customer buys a book without going through a specific shop, 10% of the cover price is put into a central pot split among all participating shops.

The books are sourced and shipped by Ingram, the largest book wholesaler in the UK, and offered at a 7% discount from the cover price. This discount, combined with payments to publishers, wholesalers, and payment processors, leaves bookstores with a 30% profit margin on each sale. As of November 2020, Bookshop had already sold GBP 2.2 million worth of books, with GBP 400,000 going directly to independent bookstores.

Bookshop aims to provide an alternative to Amazon, offering a platform for independent stores to compete in the online market. It takes a 4% cut from each sale while the rest of the profit goes to bookstores and the book industry. The company is currently applying for B Corporation certification in the UK for its commitment to transparency and social purpose.

While some independent booksellers have criticized Bookshop for diverting customers away from physical stores, the platform has gained widespread support from authors, publishers, and book enthusiasts looking to support local businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic. In March 2023, Bookshop introduced its ebook platform, allowing customers to purchase ebooks directly through the website.