Bookshop.org emerged as a response to the sharp decline in the U.S. bookstore market, which dropped by 50% between 2010 and 2020 as Amazon’s book sales increased by 8% annually. The company knew that independent bookstores needed to participate in ecommerce in order to survive, authors and publishers needed an alternative to Amazon that effectively converted to sales, and customers needed a socially-conscious way to buy books online. 

With a mission “to help local, independent bookstores thrive in the age of ecommerce,” and a vision “to connect readers with independent booksellers worldwide,” Bookshop.org empowers independent bookstores with digital tools to compete online while preserving their vital presence in communities. As such, the company fosters economic resilience and promotes diverse, community-driven literary cultures.

Placing its mission above profit, Bookshop.org channels more than 80% of its earnings back to independent bookstores. By 2023, it had contributed nearly $28 million to its 2,000+ bookstore partners and directed other revenue to nonprofits advancing literacy, education, racial justice, and healthcare. 

Recipients of the company’s post-tax profits have included the Book Industry Charitable Foundation’s (Binc’s) Survive to Thrive campaign, the Committee Against Anti-Asian Violence (CAAAV), Lambda Literary, Brave Space Alliance, Black Lives Matter, and Color of Change. In 2021, the company distributed over $90,000 in donations from Penguin Random House to Black-owned bookstores across the country. Bookshop.org’s commitment to charitable donations ensures that purchases not only support local businesses, but also contribute to broader social good.

In addition to its financial efforts, Bookshop.org has earned Climate Neutral Certification by assessing its greenhouse gas emissions from production to delivery, adopting reduction strategies, and offsetting its footprint with verified carbon credits. 

The company has shared comprehensive details on its emissions inventory; its investments in carbon credits supporting renewable energy projects like wind, solar, and hydropower; and its pledge to cut Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% by 2030. These initiatives reflect Bookshop.org’s dedication to operating sustainably and mitigating its environmental impact.

Bookshop.org exemplifies consistency in its sustainability initiatives through its enduring commitment to environmentally responsible practices and its unwavering dedication to its mission. The company’s long-term pledge to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030 reflects a strategic and forward-thinking approach to minimizing its environmental footprint. 

Additionally, its governance documents enshrine a promise never to sell the company to Amazon or any major U.S. retailer, safeguarding its mission-driven values and its focus on empowering independent bookstores and fostering sustainable practices.