 |
 |
 |
05-02-2008, 09:44 AM
|
#1 |
|
|
RETAILING 101: FREE COMIC BOOK DAY
 by Vaneta RogersWhile the most complex plans that comics readers have for tomorrow is to saunter into a local shop to check out Free Comic Book Day, the stores themselves have been planning for the event for months. In an effort to share with readers how their comics are brought to market, Newsarama is beginning a new series of articles called Retailing 101. Our goal is to explore the various requirements of running a comic book store, from the crap shoot of placing those monthly orders to the science of stocking enough pennies to get through a Wednesday. This time, we're looking at Free Comic Book Day, what it takes behind the scenes to make it happen and exactly how a store participates. The History It was a retailer who first came up with the idea for FCBD. In 2001, Joe Field, owner of Flying Colors Comics in Concord, Calif., wrote a column for Comics & Games Retailer magazine proposing a day where free comics could be handed out. Since the largest distributor of comic books is Diamond Comic Distributors, their participation in such an event was vital, and Field knew that if his proposal had any chance of happening, he had to get the company involved. "I knew the only way to get it done and make it happen was to have Diamond coordinate and facilitate it, so in the same issue where my column was published, I was also able to get an official response from Diamond, and they said they loved the idea," Field told Newsarama. After several planning meetings that included representatives of major publishers, upper management from Diamond, and Field himself, the first Free Comic Book Day was born and took place in May 2002. "It was actually Jim Valentino, who was the publisher at Image at the time, who suggested that we put it near the opening of the first Spider-Man movie," Field said. The committee now includes a variety of retailers and publishers who work in conjunction with Diamond to make Free Comic Book Day come together every year. "There's a Free Comic Book Day coordinator at Diamond named Elissa Lynch, and that's pretty much her full-time job," said Field, who still works as part of the FCBD committe and is currently president of the comics retailing trade organization ComicsPRO. According to Field, the event gets bigger every year and is now reaching a surprising amount of readers. It's estimated that approximately 500,000 people attended FCBD last year, and this year, the event will take place in nearly 2,000 comic book stores in 38 countries, with almost 2.2 million comics available to give away. Placing Orders Now that the history lesson is done, let's take a look at what it takes for the person behind the counter at your local shop to participate in FCBD. As most fans know, retailers order comic books approximately two months before their release date, although shop owners are sometimes able to adjust their order numbers on major titles up until a few weeks before the comics come out. Comics for FCBD are offered by Diamond to retailers as part of their February orders. After orders are placed on the deadline for that month, the numbers for those comics can be adjusted up (but not down), as long as the comics are still available. The comics then arrive with the stores' regular shipments before FCBD, usually delivered in boxes via UPS. Some shops who spoke to Newsarama said that they continue to adjust the quantity of their FCBD comics as the date draws near, based on variables like what promotions are scheduled to occur, how certain comic books are selling, and general buzz they hear about the comics being given away. For example, one shop told us they adjusted their numbers up for the FCBD edition of Tiny Titans based on how well the regular-priced issues of that comic book were selling in the store. The Cost While many readers believe the comics for FCBD are given to the shops for free, retailers actually have to pay for them, although at a greatly reduced cost. For example, this year, the All-Star Superman #1 comic that is being offered for FCBD has a cost of $ .25. The FCBD edition of X-Men is $ .20, while Owly and Friends is $ .37. (For comparison purposes, the normal retailer cost of a regular comic book averages around $1.50.) Retailers also pay freight on their FCBD shipments, just as they do with all their comics shipments from Diamond, so the materials they hand out are not free. And when you consider many shops hand out thousands of comics on FCBD, even comics that only cost them a quarter can add up. Why the charge? According to Field, publishers often work with creators and printers to get FCBD comics produced at- or below-cost, but there is still a significant cost involved. Some of that cost has to be passed along to other participants to make FCBD work. Field said Diamond also adds a couple cents to the comics to offset all the marketing and distribution expenses. The theory is that the loss taken by the entities behind FCBD should be shared by everyone participating, and that includes the retailers. Because of the cost, stores have to limit the number of comics they purchase for the event, although they obviously want enough that everyone gets free comics when they visit the store on that day. The retailers to whom we spoke said they place orders based on how many comics were given away the year before, adjusting up or down according to what kind of promotions they are planning for the day this year. What surprises some comic book readers is that many stores limit how many free comics can be taken by each person who visits the store on FCBD. But store owners said they are just trying to ensure everyone gets free comics. "You definitely want to make sure you have enough product for everybody. You want it to go around all day, so you have to make it fair," said Jason Faught, manager at the Laughing Ogre, one of the comic book retailers who spoke to Newsarama about preparations for FCBD. Many stores also offer comics that may have been left over from the year before, placing lighter limitations on how many of those comics can be taken. Promoting the Event The key to the promotional success of Free Comic Book Day rests on the shoulders of the retailers, because people will only come to the store to get free comics if they know about it. Diamond offers materials to stores to utilize as they promote the event, including sample press releases and giveaways. This year, promotional items like shelf-talkers, bookmarks, buttons and even FCBD lollipops were offered to retailers for purchase on their Diamond order forms.  Stores that are members of the ComicsPRO retail organization have an additional way to promote FCBD. Each year, ComicsPRO sends out hundreds of press releases that target the local media outlets of their members. All a store owner has to do is contact ComicsPRO and share any media contacts for the local market, although the organization will also do market research for those stores who don't have media lists. "We did over 600 press releases this year, across the country," said Amanda Fisher, owner of Muse Comics in Missoula, Mont., and communication coordinator for ComicsPRO. "The media just pays a little more attention if the press releases come from a national organization. We still encourage local stores to send out their own press releases with details about their specific promotion, but we can target media in a market and list participating shops, and that calls a little more attention to this being a news story worth covering." Sometimes the press releases result in something like a listing in a community calendar. Other times, they'll result in a full report on a TV station or in a newspaper. "I just had a reporter come by and do a full interview this morning, and a photographer came and took pictures," said Jason Pierce, owner of Alter Ego Comics in Muncie, Ind. "They're doing a full story in the newspaper on Friday. So it looks like my press release worked." Some retailers also promote FCBD through local schools, libraries and businesses, often by donating items or money as part of the event. Faught said the Laughing Ogre, for example, is joining with other comic book shops in their area to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, in honor of a school crossing guard who was killed saving the life of a second grader. The shop is also donating graphic novels to school libraries in her name, based on kids signing their schools up for the program in the store on FCBD. Retailers said other promotions tie into either current events, upcoming movies or the comics being offered that year for FCBD. "I tried to talk about the bigger picture of comics during my interview," Pierce said of the visit by a local reporter to his shop earlier this week. "I tied it into the Iron Man movie, and I talked about other movies that have been based on comics books that a lot of people don't know were originally comics."  Matthew Price, owner of Speeding Bullet Comics in Norman, Okla., and the comics-themed deli next door, Ricochet Cafe, said he tries to do something different each year to get exposure in the media and get fans excited about the event."We try to give it an interesting twist," Price said "Like when Whiteout was in Free Comic Book Day, we gave away snow cones. Or I think one year, it was the 40th anniversary of Reed and Sue's wedding, so on Free Comic Book Day, we made a wedding cake and gave it away to everybody. We always try to do something creative to get a news hook and then send out press releases and promote it in our mailing list." "For us it's about trying to make it as big of a party as we can," Field said. "This year, it's our 20th anniversary, so we have published our own comic book that we'll be giving away on Free Comic Book Day at Flying Colors. It has local talent in it and a history of the story over the last 20 years, and we'll have some of the artists from that book signing here. And we also have a chef who's making some special treats for the event that will be given to people in line." A lot of shops have creator signings at their stores on FCBD. In fact, the Free Comic Book Day organization keeps a list on their website of the huge number creators who are making special appearances for the event. Celebration On the day of FCBD, store owners said they try to make the event as fun as possible while keeping the focus on the event's original intention: To put an actual comic book in someone's hands. "Reading comics should be a positive experience," Pierce said. "I try to always share my enthusiasm for comics every day at my store, and on Free Comic Book Day, we try to make it even more of an event." Costumes, door prizes, face paintings, creator signings, games, giveaways -- stores personalize the event to make it their own and give their customers, as well as newcomers, a day to remember. All of this requires special staffing for the day of the event, and sometimes for the days preceding FCBD, but stores can make the day as big or small as their budget and time will allow. "One of the great things about Free Comic Book Day is that each retailer can customize the event for their own market," Field said. Retailers told us that includes customizing, to some degree, the purpose of FCBD. The official reason for FCBD, according to all press materials, is to "bring new readers, former readers and current readers into comic book specialty stores." But retailers can specialize the purpose of their events as they see fit. "For us, it's a community outreach event," Faught said. "It's for the kids, and it's to bring new faces into the store. Sometimes we get a former reader to pick something up from the shelf because we spark that interest again, but that's not what it's all about. At our store, it's really about reaching out to the community and showing them what comics are all about, especially the kids." According to shop owners, the investment they make in FCBD and the return on that money could be traced in dollar figures, but that's not the focus of the event. "I think it's just kind of a comic book holiday, to some degree," Price said. "We make some money that day, obviously, but we're paying for the books to give them away for free. So it's more of an opportunity to showcase what the medium does and what our store does, and not to necessarily make money on that day. I think it's good, if nothing else, one weekend a year to get people thinking about comic books. It gives you the opportunity to show people what comic books can offer, and talk to people about it in a way that's fairly non-threatening, because they're getting something for free. So it gives us an opportunity to share what our medium can do in a way that makes people smile, because we're just giving it to you." Special thanks to Jason Faught of the Laughing Ogre for sharing pictures for this article. If you have a question about retailing that you would like answered in Newsarama's Retailing 101 series, post it below for consideration for future articles. |
|
05-02-2008, 11:32 AM
|
#2 |
|
|
Looking forward to going, hitting up five stores that run a shared contest, and bringing my nine month old along
 |
|
05-02-2008, 11:38 AM
|
#3 |
|
|
What do those of us who miss out on FCBD because we live somewhere without a local comic shop do? I order my stuff from Westfield (whom I love), but never do I get any of the free comics. I suppose I am in fact the audience for some of these new titles which I would not normally buy, and the potential for me to actually buy them is great because I all ready buy comics. Maybe some of the FCBD materials should be given to the major mail order comic shops too. FCBD is missing some of us.
|
|
05-02-2008, 11:39 AM
|
#4 |
|
|
Free Comic Book Day -- Evansville, Indiana
Hey all,
I, along with, Michael Bassinger (Cosmic Moustache Comics), Nathan Bonner (Indavo), Jason Craig (Jason vs. Freddie vs. Ash), Allen Freeman (Fan Attic Press), Michale Kasinger (Koni-Waves), Joseph Morris (Torc Press), the Star Wars Fanforce E'ville Jedi Club and several costumed comic book characters such as Spider-man, Green Lantern and various Star Warriors will be at: Comic Quest (Located next to Rural King on Morgan Avenue.) 2260 Morgan Ave Evansville, Indiana 47711 Tomorrow, so bring the kids and your cameras for photo oppurtunities with the comic book characters. Door prizes and more. Great fun for the entire family. I'll have some cool Sgt. Rock and Shi artwork and other groovy stuff. So come on down! Billy |
|
05-02-2008, 11:47 AM
|
#5 | ||
|
|
Quote:
A very good point. Something I end up saying at work on a very regular basis is the old adage that "There's no such thing as a free lunch." Which is why when I go out for FCBD, I always try to do some back issue hunting, or buy a trade, or get some stuff off the rack that I normally wouldn't, just to help out the retailer a little bit. It's not much, I know, but it does help to get some sales. There's no reason why FCBD can't be an excuse to spend money, I say! Quote:
These two quotes illustrate another very good point. My local shop, Borderlands, had a huge run on their free comics last year thanks to a story in the local paper which brought out huge crowds before they even opened. To wit: the shop opens at 11, I arrived at 11:30, and there were two (2) FCBD comics not entirely gone: the Bongo sampler (of which I got the last one), and the Johnny DC LOSH comic. The rest of the stock, from all sponsors, was picked clean. After I left Borderlands, I went over to the competition, to see if I could get some of the other freebies, and the line was out the door. I spoke with the owner later about it and he said that he was adjusting his orders up for this year. But there has not been any local press coverage, so I don't know if they will get the turnout. So local-level promotion can be ery powerful, but you have to be mindful of your order level and how you should adjust it given how many fresh faces are coming in for the first time. Anyways, very much looking forward to FCBD! |
||
|
05-02-2008, 11:48 AM
|
#6 |
|
|
Dang it, I have to work on Saturday. And I'm in California, so I can't visit, Billy. Sorry.
If you're in San Diego, though, I know that FCBD is being celebrated at: Comickaze 5517 A/B Clairemont Mesa Blvd. San Diego, CA 92117 Hey, and if you buy a poster or print there, you can visit ME at: Frame It Yourself 5523 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. (in the same freakin' mall) San Diego, CA 92117 Two plugs, two very different stores. Both run by middle-aged comic-book geeks. |
|
05-02-2008, 12:05 PM
|
#7 | |
|
|
Quote:
|
|
|
05-02-2008, 12:33 PM
|
#8 |
|
|
Metropolis Comics in Bellflower,Ca. is going to have an awesome FREE COMIC BOOK DAY!
 We'll be dishing out free comics and holding free raffles! People can get their pictures taken with Superman, Batgirl, or Indiana Jones! Comic fans can also get free sketches of superheros from DC Comics Artist Drew Johnson and free sketches of the Simpsons characters from his lovely wife Karen (she works on The Simpsons t.v show). We'll also be showing Speed Racer cartoons and playing superhero themed videogames throughout the day, so come on down to Metropolis Comics this Saturday from 11a.m.-8p.m. Metropolis Comics 16509 Bellflower Blvd. Bellflower,Ca. 90706 (562) 263-0277 www.metrohero.com |
|
05-02-2008, 12:53 PM
|
#9 |
|
|
Hey guys..Pete Kilmer from Downtown Comics in Indianapolis...it's already been a busy few days for us....here's what we've done so far and what we're going to do
On Thursday May 1st (8pm - Midnight) United Artists Theater Galaxy 14 (96th st and I-65 in Fishers) We set up a table for the 8:30p, 9:30p, 10:30 and midnight showing of IRON MAN. We gave away posters, buttons, stickers, and comics as well as tickets to the movie all night long. Thanks so much to the United Artist Theater for allowing us to come out and have fun! On Friday May 2nd (9am-10am) WXNT 1430am "Abdul In The Morning" One of my partners, Mike Costello was on the Abdul Morning show from 9am to 10 talking about our events in our 4 stores across Indianapolis. Amy Dalton from the Indianapolis Public Library talked about the events they have going on at the various library branches (we donate thousands of comics to the Indianapolis Public Library system every year), Janna Bennet from the Indianapolis Children's Museum was on as talking abut the YEAR-LONG Comic Book Exhibit that starts on Saturday (more on that in a minute). It was a fun and entertaining hour that spread the word about Free Comic Book Day. On Saturday May 3rd(11am - 8pm) (6pm at the Downtown store) Of course we'll be handing out FREE Comics from our publisher friends all day while they last. We're having a SALE at all four of our stores as well: 50% off all ages comics (marvel adv/johnny DC) 50% off back issues 30% off T-shirts 25% off toys 15% off all HC graphic novels 10% off all SC graphic novels ARTISTS -- Local artist Jon Landry (World of Warcraft, The forthcoming Marvel Adventures Thor) will be at our Downtown Location from 11am till he gets sick of us (probably 2pm). Local artist Scott Story (Johnny Saturn) will be at our Castleton location during the same hours. SUPER HEROES -- IRON MAN will be making a special appearance at our Downtown Location from 11am -1pm. The Indianapolis Children's Museum -- The world's largest children's museum opens a major YEAR-LONG exhibit. Running for a year this promises to be one of the biggest national exhibits about comic books. We are proud to be a small part of this exhibit and my partners Mike Costello and Kevin Dolen will be on hand on Saturday to answer questions and to hand out FREE Comics to all the kids that day! They will be having events all year long and we are proud and honored that we can help them out in a small way. Here is the website for the museum for more details...should be a fantastic exhibit... http://www.childrensmuseum.org/ As you can see it's been a busy couple of days and we still have Free Comic Book Day to go! I can't wait....we hope to see all the Indianapolis Comic Fans at our locations.... Pete Kilmer http://www.downtowncomics.com |
|
05-02-2008, 01:04 PM
|
#10 | |
|
|
Quote:
No its still the same. The online stores who actually have a brick and mortar location are able to send out FCBD books to their customers but those who generally only handle online are more or less shunned (for lack of a better term) by Diamond. And while its understandable, doesn't make it right. |
|
|
05-02-2008, 01:06 PM
|
#11 | |
|
|
Quote:
For what it's worth, I order monthly from Discount Comic Book Service online. Last year they sent my May shipment with a handful of free books from FCBD. I thought that was pretty righteous. |
|
|
05-02-2008, 01:13 PM
|
#12 |
|
|
The pattern repeats itself every year:
|
|
05-02-2008, 01:19 PM
|
#13 |
|
|
This is my favorite event of the year. We have a great time with the sale and we get to give people things they will actually read.
For the fourth year, we will be running our 24 hour sale, opening at midnight tonight and staying open all Saturday. We have tons of sales on just about everything in the store and this year we're going to have DJ Coffman (Hero By Night) coming in for a signing at noon. It's a good time and since I treat the 24 hour sale as an endurance test, customers get to see me whacked out of my mind from lack of sleep. Good times, good times. *$9 CDs* *99 cent rentals* *$12 wall scrolls* *50% off of back issue comics* *Double punches on manga cards* *Figures & plushies: buy 1 get 2nd at half price* *Free laminated poster with purchase of $15 or more* Joy's Japanimation 209 Foster St Greensburg, PA 15601 724-837-0995 |
|
05-02-2008, 01:34 PM
|
#14 |
|
|
TIM SALE at Earth-2 for HERO Initiative on FCBD
We are thrilled to be hosting TIM SALE to benefit the HERO Initiative for Free Comic Book Day. Tim will be available Noon-1:30pm.
We will also have Stormtroopers of the 501st Legion and animation artist Anthony Lawrence doing sketches. 10am-7pm Earth-2 Comics 15017 Ventura Blvd. Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 earth2comics.com |
|
05-02-2008, 01:48 PM
|
#15 |
|
|
Wonderworld comics in Taylor MI
over 50 titles to choose from
5 local comics creators superhero hotties in costume from heavenlyheroines.com stormtroopers and darth vader from the 501st free iron man movie posters and buttons green lantern rings and sssssooooooooo much more wonderworld comics 22347 ecorse rd taylor, mi 48180 313-292-8697 |
|
05-02-2008, 02:05 PM
|
#16 |
|
|
If any comic retailers in the NASHVILLE AREA are doing something for FCBD...I'd love to come by and sign the Kids Love Comics books...
 I totally forgot I had Dreamland pages in the book...and forgot to book anything.  |
|
05-02-2008, 02:08 PM
|
#17 | |
|
|
Quote:
why do you use westfield anyway? places like dcbs or moc are so much cheaper... |
|
|
05-02-2008, 02:21 PM
|
#18 |
|
|
Pair-a-dice Hobbies in Quincy, IL
Hi,
I own Pair-a-dice Hobbies located in Quincy, IL. If you're in the area, be sure to stop by. While we don't have the special events that larger cities have, we still are having some special events including: Bonus points during the Pokemon League, a sealed HorrorClix event with Vlad the Impaler as a special prize, and a 4E D&D Mini's tournament. We're also running special sales all throughout the weekend. Visit our website, http://www.pair-a-dicehobbies.com for more information. While you're there, check out our video review show where we review comics, movies, and games. It's called "Geeks Like Us". Thanks! |
|
05-02-2008, 02:34 PM
|
#19 | |
|
|
Quote:
DCBService.com sends you some of the FCBD stuff with your order. Might want to give them a try if you'd like to participate. |
|
|
05-02-2008, 03:17 PM
|
#20 |
|
|
Our Store
The above are lots of good points to make and we've use many of them before. Last year we had 2 restaurants giving away samples to everyone, and this year we have 4!!! Also contacting the local beverage companies isn't a bad idea also since we got a ton of free 2-liters of Pepsi to use from our local people. Crossing fingers for a bigger year than last.
|
|
05-02-2008, 05:27 PM
|
#21 | |
|
|
Quote:
That's why we at All New Comics have been part of Free Comic Book Day for the last three years. Every year we give away hundreds of free comics to Canadians who can't make it to a local comic shop. We want to prove that there are alternatives to brick and mortar shops, especially since so many of the B&M stores in many smaller Canadian towns have been closing up lately. This year we expect to give out about 200 free comics, and we even cover the shipping for them. If you're a Canadian comics fan, please check out All New Comics tonight at midnight (Eastern Time) when we will "open the virtual doors" for Free Comic Book Day 2008. Unfortunately this is only open to Canadian addresses. |
|
|
05-02-2008, 06:29 PM
|
#22 |
|
|
Columbus Comic Shops Horor Local Hero
REAL SUPERHERO HONORED BY LOCAL COMIC BOOK SHOPS ON SATURDAY MAY 3rd
The first Saturday in May represents a holiday for comic fans across the world know as Free Comic Book Day, where participating comic store retailers distribute free comics to anyone with no strings attached. A day where anyone can read about and dream of becoming superheroes, introducing millions to the unique art form and storytelling method that has delighted and inspired millions more. This year however, Free Comic Book Day has a new meaning in the eyes of the local comic stores in Columbus , as they will all be honoring a very special local hero. On April 10, 2008 Diane Sharp, a crossing guard at Scioto Darby Elementary school in Hilliard, was killed saving the life of Christian Engle, a second grader. Sharp was very heroic and tried to protect the child with her own body and in the end, sacrificed her life to save another. Jamie Colegrove, owner of Packrat Comics located near Scioto Darby Creek Elementary, said “It truly was amazing how quickly Diane reacted to protect Christian we wanted to honor her sacrifice and heroism.” Colegrove continued “Free Comic Book Day seemed like an excellent opportunity to acknowledge her as our own superhero.” All comic retailers in the community whole heartedly agreed. Each of the participating stores in Columbus will be accepting donations on behalf of the Sharp and Engle families funds at Fifth Third and Key Bank. In addition, many of the stores will be contributing and offering other opportunities for all patrons to enjoy. So on Saturday, May 3rd, stop by your local comic shop, get a free comic and support this true superhero and those she left behind. For additional information contact Jamie Colegrove at (614) 527-8450 or via email at packratcomics@sbcglobal.net. Participating retailers include: PACKRAT COMICS 3872 LATTIMER STREET HILLIARD , OH (614) 527-8450 PACKRAT COMICS 109 E FIFTH STREET MARYSVILLE, OH (937) 624-0492 THE LAUGHING OGRE 4258 NORTH HIGH STREET COLUMBUS , OH (614) 267-6473 BRITISH PAPERMILL 5733 BRICE OUTLET MALL COLUMBUS, OH 43232 (614) 577-0220 DISCOUNT PAPERBACK CENTER 10 CHITTENDEN AVENUE COLUMBUS, OH (614) 291-5136 COMIC TOWN 320 S STATE STREET WESTERVILLE, OH (614) 890-8338 COMIC TOWN 1249 MORSE ROAD COLUMBUS, OH (614) 262-5006 COMIC TOWN 1065 GEMINI PLACE COLUMBUS , OH 43240 (614) 436-3167 MOORE COMICS 5505 WESTERVILLE ROAD WESTERVILLE , OH (614) 901-3963 ALLEY CAT GAMES & COMICS 2744 FESTIVAL LANE DUBLIN, OH (614) 336-2445 DAVE’S CLUB HOUSE 1538 BRICE ROAD Brice Rd. REYNODLSBURG, OH 43068 |
|
05-02-2008, 08:05 PM
|
#23 |
|
|
I definately like the idea behind these articles and can't wait to read more.
|
|
05-02-2008, 08:12 PM
|
#24 | |
|
|
Quote:
I was about to ask the same question. |
|
|
05-03-2008, 01:28 AM
|
#25 | |
|
|
Quote:
My LCS has really tried over the years of FCBD - he's done PR, gotten into the local paper, all that. In the three years that I've helped him, he has spend thousands of dollars of FCBD comics. In the three years, I've seen ONE paying customer. Most of the people who show up for FCBD won't step foot in the store the rest of the year. Then they come, bring their family, and every member tries their damnedest to grab everything they can for free, they even try to take current comics off his rack without paying. What's the good of 50 people crowding your store when NONE of them will even pick up a 25-cent back issue? He can't afford the financial hit any more. Last year we limited the number of comics each person could take. For the last three years we also sorted out the titles so no youngsters could grab an adult-oriented title. We got nasty comments. This past year has been so bad, my LCS is going very low-key. He told me he has received calls from some of those FCBD freebie-only people asking if he's doing FCBD this year. When he explained how he had to cut down and people who come can pick up a couple of free comics each, they called him all kinds of bad names and said "it's not even worth coming out!" We are trying one other low-key idea. I purchased a bunch of the kid-friendly comics, I wrote a letter that will go home to all the school parents at the school where I work, and I'm going to hand out a free comic to each kid in our preK-8 school. The letter promotes comics reading as a part of summer fun reading and encourages the parents to go to the LCS and get comics and advice on good titles. We'll see if that generates any new business for the store. Our town's main library is moving to its new location right now, so we couldn't try to work with the public library. Next year, I hope we can try that and see if that kind of outreach can work. |
|
«
Previous Thread
|
Next Thread
»
| Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
| Display Modes | |
Linear Mode
|
|
All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:44 AM.
