Flying below the media radar, these guerrilla book traders of remainders, hurts, and promotional reprints are tough to keep track of but score big dollar hits. This segment of the book industry, like every other part, is consolidating, and yet more units are being sold and more money is making it to the bank.
Bargain is now essential to booksellers' business.
The trade has developed a rhythm and systemization all its own. It's now a solid year-round business. As far as retail outlets are concerned, things seem to have stabilized somewhat. Independents are particularly afraid of Amazon, but the value of bargain books has to be 'felt and seen' in person. And also bargain books are difficult to set up for Internet commerce because there is not an infinite source of supply.