Powell's in the Press

Contact:

Powells.com 503-228-0540, x5851 press@powells.com

Portland's Powell's Books & Seattle's University Book Store Join Forces

August 18, 2005, Portland, OR —Portland's premier independent bookstore, Powell's Books, and Seattle's largest independent bookstore, University Book Store, will team together for a used-book buying extravaganza from September 10 through September 18.

In what is likely the first venture of its kind, for nine days Powell's will operate a temporary used-book buying kiosk at University Book Store in the U-District. Powell's will offer the public either cash for their books or a higher amount in merchandise credit good at University Book Store.

During this event, University Book Store employees will train with Powell's used-book buyers. A group of University Book Store employees will also visit Powell's in Portland for training. On September 22, University Book Store will begin buying and selling used books on a permanent basis.

"We're excited to be partnering with Powell's as we add used books to our store," says Mark Mouser, general book manager of University Book Store. "It's a learning process for us, and their expertise is much appreciated. In the end it's about working together and offering the best book selection we possibly can for our customers."

"It's a win-win situation," says Powell's CEO Miriam Sontz. "Independent bookstores cooperating for the sake of book lovers in general is at the core of our business philosophy and success. This is a venture with positive benefits for everyone."

If successful, Powell's plans to offer used-book buyer training to other independent bookstores across the nation. "There is an abundance of used books in this country," adds Sontz. "Any effort to tap that resource benefits the book community as a whole."