I’ll be signing Burn Baby Burn at the most unexpected place this Saturday: Costco in Chesterfield, Virginia.
Nope, not my usual stomping grounds for books. But here’s what has me curious. Costco IS the country’s largest membership big box retailer, and one that has its own bookclub as well as a magazine (Costco Connection) with a distribution of 8.3 million copies. And last summer, former president Jimmy Carter wowed people by signing at the Glen Allen store.
So while most of us associate Costco with the 60 million rotisserie chickens the retailer sells each year, when it comes to books, it’s probably smarter to think about their members. They’re typically college-educated, earn nearly $100K and own a home. Does that translate into readers? I’m about to find out.
I honestly have no idea what to expect, other than reaching out and talking to people I don’t know. Book signings can be scary – as every author knows – even at our favorite indie store. (Pick your drama: The kid cries because you wrote in her book. Or nobody comes. Or you forget/misspell somebody’s name. Or your stomach hurts. Or there’s a better event across town.)
But maybe ours isn’t the only discomfort we should think about. Not everyone feels comfortable buying their reading material at bookstores. You (and I) may love the smell of books, the crack of a new spine, the help of a knowledgable bookseller. But there are also those who like to browse on their own and who’ll take a risk on a book that they stumble on while they’re trying to shop for and organize all the other aspects of their busy lives.
So, Richmond friends, please spread the word, and if you haven’t gotten a copy of Burn Baby Burn, I hope you can come out to support the event on Saturday. Drive over the bridge to Chesterfield and do some shopping, too. (Seriously, I’m going to buy my Easter dinner stuff there when I’m done. I haven’t had time to do it.) I promise to have some swag to give away, although not salami samples. (Sadly.)
See you then-
Meg
When: Saturday, March 26
Noon – 2 PM
Where: Costco in CHESTERFIELD
1401 Mall Dr
Richmond, VA 23235-4887
Info: (804) 464-9110
Never would have thought of Costco. But then, why not! Will look forward to your sharing your experience!
I once saw Mary Travers (of Peter, Paul, etc. ) inspecting blenders at Costco in Fairfax. Later they sang in the tire aisle. ? So you’re in good company! Sorry that I’ll be out if town on Sat.
Wow, Jan! Makes me wish I could sing!