Powell’s Books Celebrates 10th Annual Independent Bookstore Day with Free Merchandise

Bookmarks, Stickers, Buttons, Temporary Tattoos, Tote Bags, Coupons, and More Will Be Available at Stores as Free Gifts and Raffle Prizes

Monday, April 24, 2023 - Powell’s Books, the world’s largest independent bookstore, is celebrating Independent Bookstore Day on Saturday April 29 with a full selection of freebies and special merchandise for sale at all three Portland-area locations: Powell’s City of Books, Powell’s Books on Hawthorne, and Powell’s Books at Cedar Hills Crossing.

This year marks the 10th annual Independent Bookstore Day (known as #indiebookstoreday on social media). The event was created by the American Booksellers Association’s Indiebound campaign, which also publishes the popular Indie Next List. On the last Saturday in April, independent bookstores across the country celebrate everything that sets indies apart from big box stores and online giants: face-to-face interaction with knowledgeable book lovers, local job creation, contributions to local economies, conserved tax dollars, investments in local entrepreneurship, and a lowered impact on the climate.

Nearly a dozen Portland-area independent bookstores are participating this year, with each business representing a positive alternative to shopping with multinational e-commerce corporations. This year’s 10th anniversary celebration comes at a time when indie bookstores are thriving nationwide; the American Booksellers Association reported that 300 new small bookstores opened between 2020–2022 alone, many of which focus on books by and for diverse communities.

While supplies last, customers who spend $60 or more at Powell's Books on Independent Bookstore Day will receive a limited-edition tote bag. The celebration will also introduce a special-edition bookmark with messaging about the importance of shopping indie; only 10,000 of the IBD bookmarks will be created and will be available free until supplies run out. Other IBD items (available through giveaways or raffles, depending on item and location) include temporary tattoos, stickers, and buttons. In addition, store raffles will offer prizes like gift cards and discount coupons to customers.

Powell’s has also created exclusive apparel celebrating this year’s event with a limited-edition t-shirt, crewneck, and kids’ tee design, all available on Bonfire.

All three Powell’s Books locations will be open from 10am–9pm on Saturday, April 29. For more information about Independent Bookstore Day, visit https://www.indiebound.org/independent-bookstore-day.

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