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Show ene A Reader’s Right from stores in Provo, Orem STAFF that represents independent bookstore has file against the two national chain stores. The 26-plaintiffs in the went into the precarious business of email: tim@wasatchcountycourier.com to the major chains and that those secret deals have cost independent - bookstores millions of dollars. | In 1994, the American Booksellers Association sued several major publishers over similar claims. The case was -She opened Books & Beyond in Midway, with her partner Jan Sloan three and a half years. They say they got into the business more out of a love books, diversity in literature and service to customers than turning a fast buck. | ae “We pay the bills, and only one of settled with a consent order County Re: that Groups Merge Wasatch Agents Unconcerned Borders and Barnes & Noble claims should make the upcoming trial a mute point. | # | As the major chains have expanded, the number of independent book- KIRSTEN SHAW stores has dropped sharply. In 1995, the ABA could claim a membership of 5,000. Today it stands at 3,000. ark City’s Prudential Chin cites a long list of ways that Impression novel. is a nationally us takes a salary,” Chin says, explain- ing how the business stays afloat. But like many independent bookstores across the country, Books & _ With the nearest chain stores 40 © ties, known now out of business,” she adds. miles or more away, Chin says her business has been able to survive with Real company, Real Estate, — local While the compa- list Wasatch proper- agents are not con- cerned with the merger. | 4 “Currently, none of the entities have an office here, so I don’t see it dramatically affecting our market. Our agents are in town, are familiar with the area and are active in the | community,” sales increasing every year. She says said Chuck Zuercher, REALTORS continued on A114 they try to overcome the competition Wasatch County Trimart/Chevron new Utah ny’s agents Today, writer and her books regularly end up on the best selling list. : “That bookstore, by the way. is ”? . The Prestige —F Kingsolver first Estate. lion in sales. book- * Kingsolver’s Prudential Salt "rm She tells the independent store in Tucson, Ariz. was the only store that agreed to sell Barbara -PHOTO BY DIXIE BISHOP independent bookstore owners like Jan Sloan say they are fighting for their survival Gas Watch ~ 2001 an Lake’s and_ | combines 300 agents and $11 bil- chains, says Chin, is a lack of diversity of how Group Prudential ‘result from the growth of national story Real Estate recently merged with the national chains work to undercut their competition. Publishers often give the national chains longer billing cycle and sell entire inventories of best sellers to chains making it difficult for stores like her’s to stock them, she says. : But perhaps the most disturbing in the publishing world. aa = ee COURTERSS TALE sa tiger them will have to do with money. Beyond is fighting a David and Goalith-style fight with the nation’s two largest bookselling chains, Barnes & Noble Inc. and Borders Group Inc. | i But none The Associated Press contributed to this article. See suit, including Sam Weller’s Books in Salt Lake City, allege that publishers _ give distribution and marketing deals of selling books and she will give a long list of reasons. store in Salt Lake or any city that has a big box store. You just can’t compete against them.” ee i| she * e " why v me couldn’t have opened this een Chin “We r Val the near future. On April 9, the fight enters its latest round when a trial begins in a lingering lawsuit the trade association “2 sk plans to open a store at Kimball Junction in the Snyderville Basin in. —e COURIER and the Salt Lake Valley with excellent service and diversity. But she doesn’t know how much longer the business willcontinue to grow. Barnes & Noble Local bookstore owners say more at stake in national lawsuit than just anti-trust issues TIM WESTBY ‘ wee MARCH I2 — MARCH 19° : ci ate... | 400 N. Main, Heber PRICES FOR REGULAR | UNLEADED lias, Mam, Heber OBSERVED 03/19/01 61490 - Watch this space for weekly updates. Summit County Silver Creek Jct; FC, | | : = | 1 Ey Salt Lake County 2100S. 1300E.,SLC | a.” Seq agree a este to wes ~ $1.349 4 4 g noes t | |