jumping in here to say- White indie bookstore owner in the south. I opened a store that focuses on diverse topics. I’m gay and there’s a lot of gay literature/non fiction options and they sell well because I’m out and queer- my store is known as a queer haven. I carry a lot of books about race that don’t get sold as often as I’d love them to be, I carry a vast selection of them, and I’m always at a loss of words to why they don’t sell as much.

One theory is that I’m not a BIPOC and that a BIPOC would rather financially support another BIPOC- there is something slimey about me making money off black folx work. BUT as a bookstore owner I feel responsible to make sure my store is as inclusive as possible and that all readers find wha they’re looking for.

I carry a ton of fiction written by BIPOC authors that feature diverse characters and white authors and plot lines sell way faster which leads me to believe that people are a lot more exclusive than they say they are. IN THIS REGION. When I lived on either coast this was not a problem. It’s baffling.

The demand aspect based on region plays a small factor in stocking selection. I have vowed to never shifted my morals and completely whitewash my shop, but books I think are valuable don’t sell as much and it sucks.

So hearing that more diversity is coming to indie bookstores is amazing! If my city could have a BIPOC bookstore I would be thrilled. I might not be the demographic some folx want to shop from and thats ok.