2. Give a discount on purchases in your store.

3. Offer a free gift with a purchase.

4. Sponsor a writing contest (prizes could be a gift certificate to your store, a small cash prize or a gift certificate for dinner for two at a partnering restaurant)

5. Expand your cus

Now-a-days you will literally find everything classified as “big,” “mega” or “super!” Among these big businesses, we find super car dealerships, big department stores, large computer stores and mega bookstores.

Big businesses seem to be getting bigger! There are more mergers, acquisitions and buyouts than ever. Why? Financial gain. Who wants to buy a business, invention or service that’s failing, unless there is something financially lucrative for the buyer? Oftentimes, we find that it’s tough for small businesses to compete and survive in a neighborhood of giant moguls. For instance, let’s examine the plight of small neighborhood bookstores. Many consumers admit that while mega bookstores carry a wide variety of books, newspapers, magazines and reference guides, they can create confusion by offering too many choices.

Small bookstores should not cave into the intimidation factor oozing out of the veins of popular, mega online or storefront bookstores! Try using some of the following life savers to help keep your quaint bookstore from drowning in the ocean of super bookstores:

1. Host book releases and book signings.

2. Give a discount on purchases in your store.

3. Offer a free gift with a purchase.

4. Sponsor a writing contest (prizes could be a gift certificate to your store, a small cash prize or a gift certificate for dinner for two at a partnering restaurant)

5. Expand your cust

itions and buyouts than ever. Why? Financial gain. Who wants to buy a business, invention or service that’s failing, unless there is something financially lucrative for the buyer? Oftentimes, we find that it’s tough for small businesses to compete and survive in a neighborhood of giant moguls. For instance, let’s examine the plight of small neighborhood bookstores. Many consumers admit that while mega bookstores carry a wide variety of books, newspapers, magazines and reference guides, they can create confusion by offering too many choices.

Small bookstores should not cave into the intimidation factor oozing out of the veins of popular, mega online or storefront bookstores! Try using some of the following life savers to help keep your quaint bookstore from drowning in the ocean of super bookstores:

1. Host book releases and book signings.

2. Give a discount on purchases in your store.

3. Offer a free gift with a purchase.

4. Sponsor a writing contest (prizes could be a gift certificate to your store, a small cash prize or a gift certificate for dinner for two at a partnering restaurant)

5. Expand your cus

uls. For instance, let’s examine the plight of small neighborhood bookstores. Many consumers admit that while mega bookstores carry a wide variety of books, newspapers, magazines and reference guides, they can create confusion by offering too many choices.

Small bookstores should not cave into the intimidation factor oozing out of the veins of popular, mega online or storefront bookstores! Try using some of the following life savers to help keep your quaint bookstore from drowning in the ocean of super bookstores:

1. Host book releases and book signings.

2. Give a discount on purchases in your store.

3. Offer a free gift with a purchase.

4. Sponsor a writing contest (prizes could be a gift certificate to your store, a small cash prize or a gift certificate for dinner for two at a partnering restaurant)

5. Expand your cus

t cave into the intimidation factor oozing out of the veins of popular, mega online or storefront bookstores! Try using some of the following life savers to help keep your quaint bookstore from drowning in the ocean of super bookstores:

1. Host book releases and book signings.

2. Give a discount on purchases in your store.

3. Offer a free gift with a purchase.

4. Sponsor a writing contest (prizes could be a gift certificate to your store, a small cash prize or a gift certificate for dinner for two at a partnering restaurant)

5. Expand your cus

2. Give a discount on purchases in your store.

3. Offer a free gift with a purchase.

4. Sponsor a writing contest (prizes could be a gift certificate to your store, a small cash prize or a gift certificate for dinner for two at a partnering restaurant)

5. Expand your customer base by sending out newsletters or e-newsletters of upcoming events in your store or for local literary events.

6. Host book readings or poetry night activities.

7. Coordinate projects with the literary council in your area.

8. Offer free seminars by professors/instructors from community colleges, universities or with local authors.

9. Consider doing a TV show using the public access channel of your local cable TV company, to promote different categories of books you have available and possible interviews with local or visiting authors.

10. Form a book club for your store.

11. Despite your size, stress the advantage of your good customer service, quality products and personalized attention! Show your value and consumer advantages within the community.

12. Send out press releases and news announcements for your upcoming in-store events.

Don’t look at what mega bookstores “have” compared to what you “don’t have.” Look at what you have, put value on it and capitalize on those assets! Bigger is not always better, even if it’s cheaper!