I read this New York Times article, Target Can Make Sleepy Titles Into Best Sellers
Target is building a reputation as a “tastemaker” of books. With its Breakout program, the store highlights unknown writers and have helped many make it to the bestseller list. Plus, the Bookmarked Club Pick is selected by a panel of Target employees.
Each book selected has a special Target edition with an author letter specifically addressed to Target reader.
Here’s another interesting thing about the program.
“Virtually every book at Target is shelved face out. Books in the book club and Breakout program are set apart on so-called endcaps — narrower shelves that stand at the front or end of aisles — with specially designed signs.”
Of course, Target does not stock as many books as Barnes and Noble, but the great thing is that many authors are getting a “second life” for their novels.
It’s interesting because this week I watched an interview with Prince on The Tavis Smiley Show on PBS. He also has a somewhat similar type of program that exclusively markets his music to Target shoppers.
Target is definitely thinking outside of the box and getting “under the radar” books into the hands of readers.
