State of SIBA: Membership Climbs in First Quarter
Last November SIBA reported a milestone when it reached a membership level of 300 bookstores. Since that time, SIBA has averaged 15 new member stores a month, and as of April the number of bookstores under the SIBA tent stands at 356.
Core Bookstores: 318
Provisional Bookstores (Not Yet Open): 36
Out of Territory Bookstores: 2
Since January 1, 55 bookstores have joined the SIBA community and 137 have renewed their membership, representing a retention rate of 97%. Of the bookstores who joined SIBA this year, 13 are provisional and not yet open. 42 are in operation.
SIBA has been reporting robust growth in its membership levels consistently since the end of the pandemic, fueled in part by its decision to expand eligibility beyond traditional brick-and-mortar locations to a wider range of store business models. But SIBA's high retention rate -- well above the average for associations -- indicates SIBA's booksellers are engaged and successful businesses, even in a volatile economy.
Support SIBA Bookstores: Become a Sponsor
Being a SIBA sponsor is an investment in the vitality and future of independent bookselling. Sponsorship not only provides name recognition and promotional opportunities for your company or organization, it also underwrites educational and development programs for booksellers, whose support and enthusiasm are the key to breaking out so many titles. SIBA loves to work year-round with anyone who is interested in a special project and welcomes creative ideas for engaging our members.
Reach out to Linda-Marie Barrett, SIBA Executive Director with your ideas.