Educators: Carrie Koepke, Skylark Bookshop; John Mesjak, Abraham Associates; Kay Farmer, Libro.FM Are you a new bookstore owner or dreaming of opening your own shop? This session is your crash course in how to build a strong foundation for longterm success. Led by experienced sales reps and industry pros, we’ll cover why ordering directly from publishers can boost your margins, diversify your inventory, and grow your visibility. You'll learn how to build vital publisher relationships, get better data through Edelweiss, and tap into the expertise of reps who want to see your store thrive. We’ll also highlight the importance of having a reliable point of sale system to manage inventory, streamline operations, and support smarter buying. Perfect for booksellers in their first two years or anyone preparing to launch.