March 5: Square Books, Oxford MS
Building a Successful Subscription Program
See the complete schedule and register

"The success and health of one independent bookstore is a benefit to all, so we never feel like competitors." -- Lyn Roberts, General Manager, Square Books

The March Madness Bookseller Series event at Square Books will focus on how to grow a successful subscription program. Square Books general manager Lyn Roberts says, "Our Signed Firsts program began in 1992 and has been operating continuously these years, but we have had a few overhauls." She credits the program as "an important regular monthly stream of revenue we can count on and that allows us to focus on a particular book we believe in. It also helps to develop customer loyalty and belonging."

When asked why they wanted to host a March Madness event for SIBA booksellers, Roberts emphasized the importance of sharing information in the bookselling community. "We wanted to host March Madness for many reasons," she said. "First, we really appreciate being a part of the SIBA community and there is nothing better than getting together with other booksellers to share ideas, especially when those booksellers are your neighbors. We like to share information we have that we believe will help others, and also solicit expert opinions and feedback on our stores. We have visited other stores for March Madness and would like to reciprocate. Beyond the experience with our colleagues, we enjoy hosting authors in Oxford and having an opportunity to talk with them about new titles. It's a beneficial program for all, and also just plain fun!"