Amazon Book Sale Overlaps with Independent Bookstore Day
Amazon's 2025 book sale, running from April 23rd to 28th, has sparked controversy due to its overlap with Independent Bookstore Day on April 26th.
Independent Bookstore Day, organized by the American Booksellers Association (ABA), is a yearly event celebrating local bookstores with special events and exclusive merchandise at over 1,600 participating locations. Author Maris Kreizman urged readers to support their local indie bookstores.
I implore you: if you live near an indie bookstore...you must go.
While indie bookstores have shown recent growth, Amazon remains a dominant force in the book market. A 2020 House committee estimated Amazon controlled over 50% of the print book market, with even greater dominance in e-books.
Controversy and Criticism
The timing of Amazon's sale has drawn criticism, with some viewing it as a deliberate attempt to undermine Independent Bookstore Day. Bookshop.org, an online platform supporting independent bookstores, emailed customers expressing concern. CEO Andy Hunter called the timing a "calculated move" by Amazon.
The people at Amazon responsible for the timing of their 'Book Sale' should be ashamed, but they are shameless.
Amazon, however, released a statement claiming the overlapping dates were unintentional, citing the inclusion of additional international participants in their sale.
Despite Amazon's explanation, ABA CEO Allison Hill expressed concern, stating the timing was "at best insensitive and at worst...a tactic to hurt small businesses."
This incident highlights the ongoing tension between online retail giants and independent businesses, particularly in the bookselling industry.
