Chicago independent booksellers join forces against Amazon

Women & Children First Bookstore has been around since 1979. (Shen Lu/MEDILL REPORTS)
Women & Children First Bookstore has been around since 1979. (Shen Lu/MEDILL REPORTS)

By Shen Lu

The arrival of Amazon’s new brick-and-mortar bookstore in Chicago has brought local independent booksellers together.

The Chicagoland Independent Bookstore Alliance is promoting a network of 24 bookstores, including feminist bookstore Women & Children First in Andersonville. Initial results of a recent marketing promotion have been positive, according to Lynn Mooney, co-owner.

The coalition hopes such efforts will attract more loyal customers who value a community bookstore with personalized service.

Photo at top: Women & Children First Bookstore has been in business in Chicago since 1979. (Shen Lu/MEDILL)