ABACUS

With the August 15 deadline for bookstore participation in the ABACUS-10 Survey now past, this week ABA announced that the process of analyzing and compiling the data into store reports was moving forward.

ABA members have only a few days left to submit their 2010 financial data to this year’s ABACUS Survey. Data gathering for ABACUS-10 comes to an end at midnight on Monday, August 15.

For the third year, the American Booksellers Association will award the Avin Mark Domnitz Scholarship to attend the Winter Institute to the owner or an employee of a bookstore who submits the store’s 2010 financial data to the ABACUS-10 survey before the August 15 deadline.

This year’s ABACUS-10 Survey will provide booksellers with more detailed comparisons than previous surveys regarding crucial areas affecting their bookstores’ bottom line.  Data will also be presented more visually, through the expanded use of charts and graphs.

Past ABACUS studies have helped Changing Hands co-owner Bob Sommer secure a business loan, negotiate a lease, and evaluate store spending and operations.

In a new YouTube video, Nicole Magistro of The Bookworm of Edwards says ABACUS is “a great financial tool that you can take to your bank, to your landlord, or anyone else you need help from.”

On average, the most profitable businesses among the participants in last year’s ABACUS survey spent 5.9 percent less on total compensation costs, 5.9 percent less on total occupancy costs, and a staggering 8 percent less on all other operating costs.  Learn how to get  a report comparing your business to like-size bookstores in these crucial areas and more.

On Friday, June 3, ABA bookstore members received a special e-mail announcing that the ABACUS-10 surveying process had begun.

On Friday, June 3, ABA member bookstores are scheduled to receive a special e-mail from the National Association of College Stores’ OnCampus Research that will signal the start of the ABACUS-10 Survey process.

ABA recently convened four Bookseller Task Forces – Digital, Education, Local First, and ABACUS – to gather member input and suggestions for ABA initiatives and programming.