Saturday Aug 29 is Independent Bookstore Day, and Powell's, the renowned indie bookstore in Portland, Oregon, is marking the day in a unique way. To affirm its commitment to customers, the community and fellow bookstores, it is no longer going to sell through Amazon Marketplace, which for many rare, collectible and used booksellers is an important sales channel:
"For too long, we have watched the detrimental impact of Amazon's business on our communities and the independent bookselling world. We understand that in many communities, Amazon--and big box retail chains--have become the only option. And yet when it comes to our local community and the community of independent bookstores around the U.S., we must take a stand. The vitality of our neighbors and neighborhoods depends on the ability of local businesses to thrive. We will not participate in undermining that vitality."
"For too long, we have watched the detrimental impact of Amazon's business on our communities and the independent bookselling world. We understand that in many communities, Amazon--and big box retail chains--have become the only option. And yet when it comes to our local community and the community of independent bookstores around the U.S., we must take a stand. The vitality of our neighbors and neighborhoods depends on the ability of local businesses to thrive. We will not participate in undermining that vitality."