On a warm September afternoon, the India International Centre buzzed with a rare gathering of legends—book retailers who had shaped the reading journeys of countless people across Delhi, Faridabad, Meerut, Ghaziabad, and Gurgaon. For the first time in decades, these trade stalwarts came together, not just to reminisce about their shared history but to stand united for a special purpose.

For generations, these bookstores have been more than just shops; they’ve been lifelines in the education supply chain, where students, parents, and teachers found the books they needed to unlock new worlds. But time hasn’t been kind to them. As the digital age surged, these traditional hubs struggled to keep pace, often labelled as old-fashioned and overshadowed by the rise of e-commerce—a challenge they now face head-on, determined to rewrite their story.

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On a drizzly Thursday afternoon, Educart, part of the Agrawal Group of Publications, made history by becoming the first publishing house to champion traditional bookshops in the relentless online discount war. Determined to empower these retailers, they hosted a groundbreaking workshop designed to equip them with innovative tools to boost counter sales.

The event drew over 100 retailers, from Gurgaon’s iconic Bansal Book Depot, established in 1984, to Lamba Book Stall in Tilak Nagar, Libra Books & Stationers in Noida, and Kumar Book Agencies in Meerut. It was a diverse gathering of old and new voices in the trade, all united by a shared curiosity about what Educart had in store.

Expectations were a mixed bag. Some arrived eager for solutions, while others carried frustrations—grappling with issues like returns, steep discounts, and a perceived lack of publisher support. Sensing the unease, Mr. Ripul Agrawal, Managing Director of Educart Publications, took the stage with a reassuring message. He unveiled new policies aimed at addressing their concerns, offering hope that change was finally on the horizon—at least from Educart’s side.

Mr Ripul Agrawal delved into a range of pressing topics, candidly addressing the challenges of competing with online players. He acknowledged the unfair playing field but offered a fresh perspective—reminding the audience that offline bookshops possess unique strengths that e-commerce simply cannot replicate. From personalized service to the tactile joy of browsing through physical books, he reassured the retailers that their value lies in experiences no online platform can match.

“Students want books immediately. They need to open the books, compare the content with other books, read a few Questions, check the price, and eventually ask the shopkeeper for validation on which book is best. This overall experience is critical in decision-making and can never be replaced by online shopping. You will always be the favourite go-to place in your locality for most people. That is your moat and no one can take this away from you.” said Mr. Agrawal when addressing the retailers.

Many retailers voiced their frustrations about how steep online discounts by publishers have made it nearly impossible to convince students to buy from local shops. "It’s disheartening when a customer walks in, waves their phone in your face, and says, ‘It’s cheaper online,’” one retailer shared.

Addressing this pressing concern, Mr. Ripul Agrawal emphasized that the solution lies in publishers taking responsibility for regulating e-commerce discounts and ensuring fair competition. He then unveiled a groundbreaking move by Educart: a discount ceiling designed to prevent platforms like Amazon and Flipkart from selling Educart books beyond a fixed discount percentage. This bold step, a first in the publishing industry, drew enthusiastic applause and cheers from the retailers, reigniting hope for a more balanced marketplace.

The event took a refreshing turn as book retailers openly shared their challenges and collaborated to mediate solutions that could spark meaningful change in the future. Adding to the momentum, Educart announced the launch of their latest Sample Papers for CBSE Class 10 and 12, with an exclusive extra 5% discount reserved solely for offline bookshops—a move that garnered widespread appreciation.

Post-lunch, the spotlight shifted to an engaging session titled "Sales and Branding at Book Shops," led by seasoned sales expert and renowned counsellor Mr Anubhav Rakheja. His electrifying session brimming with practical, zero-cost strategies captivated the audience. From tips on enhancing customer experiences and optimizing store layouts to leveraging word-of-mouth marketing, Mr Rakheja offered actionable insights designed to empower retailers without straining their budgets. It was an inspiring close to a day filled with innovation, collaboration, and renewed hope for the future of local bookshops.

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“Agar student ko koi nearest bookseller search karna hota hai toh woh ‘RK Stall Book Seller’ search nahi karta. Woh ‘bookseller near me’ search karega. Toh Google pe aapki listing honi chahiye with Bookseller written with your shop name. Aap local search main toh aana shuru kariye. Farak padega!”

- said Mr Rakheja during his session, which made a lot of sense.

The event concluded on an incredibly uplifting note as each book retailer was invited on stage to be honoured with a certificate presented by Mr Agrawal. Standing proudly with their bookshop featured in the backdrop, it created the perfect Kodak moment to cherish. Such gestures of recognition are rare for these unsung heroes of the education supply chain, making the occasion all the more special.

This heartfelt conclusion, coupled with the insights and strategies shared during the workshop, left the retailers with a sense of renewed confidence and pride in their work. The lessons learned and the solidarity displayed are sure to leave a lasting impact on their journey ahead.

Here’s a glimpse of some of the book retailers who participated in this landmark workshop:

Let’s hope that the trend set by Educart to support local retailers in their sales and growth journey continues to thrive, paving the way for a balanced coexistence between offline and online sales. The initiative to empower and uplift these bookshops is a significant step forward in the industry. A special mention goes to Mr. Rakheja for his invaluable contribution, to educating and motivating the retailers on this special occasion. His insights have inspired many and will surely guide them towards a more successful and sustainable future.