When you love literature, you want to share it. And it can be tempting to do so abroad. More and more, French bookstores are opening all over the world, exporting French-speaking literary culture. But how do you get started on this adventure? Where to start? Are there organizations to support literary entrepreneurs? The Kube book box summarizes the essential points to think about when opening your bookstore abroad!
The potential of French bookstores abroad
French bookstores abroad export French-speaking literary culture. But not only that! They also create an emotional bond with expatriates. Enough to boost their morale in a country where the culture and way of life are different and sometimes difficult to adopt. These bookstores are therefore much more than just a place to sell books. They are the heart of French culture. They offer events, readings, debates… Not only do they constitute a cultural oasis for French expatriates, but they are also a source of learning for foreigners who wish to explore the French language and literature.
Don’t forget legal and regulatory requirements.
It is important not to rush into this adventure. First and foremost, it is essential to understand the local regulations regarding business creation. Requirements vary from country to country, especially when it comes to importing books. To help you, surround yourself with experts in the field. For example, it may be useful to consult a lawyer specializing in international business law. He or she will advise you to ensure that you comply with local laws. You can also contact expatriate booksellers to ask them for advice. They will be able to answer your questions and guide you as best as possible in your project. At Kub, we have a bookseller from the other side of the world. Her name is Maryline and she opened her bookstore in Chile, in Santiago. For more than 20 years, the Le Comptoir bookstore has continued to support young and old and to offer a wide choice of books exclusively in French in the most varied fields.
Organizations that support booksellers abroad
The National Book Center (CNL)
The CNL offers various forms of assistance to support booksellers, including assistance with training French-speaking booksellers abroad. The organization offers a grant to support booksellers in their efforts to professionalize and promote their business. The CNL then highlights booksellers and their role as disseminators of French culture and books abroad to French professionals.
The Association for the Development of Creative Bookstores (ADELC)
This association was created by general literature publishers who are keen to promote the dissemination of editorial creation. To do this, ADELC provides booksellers with the means to develop and maintain their independence.
The International Association of French-Speaking Booksellers (AILF)
The AILF’s mission is to develop the French language and French-speaking cultures by networking with French-speaking bookstores around the world. The association was by around forty booksellers. For over 20 years, it has been fighting to break the isolation of French-speaking booksellers abroad. It also develops lasting relationships between the various players in the book chain. Today, it is made up of around a hundred booksellers around the world.
Create a community
As a French-speaking bookseller abroad, it is extremely important to create a strong community. It is therefore relevant to regularly organize events, such as book clubs, book signings, language courses, or even children’s workshops. This way, you will build loyalty among French-speaking expatriates, but also among locals who want to learn French. Beyond that, marketing and communication have their role to play. It is important to use social networks to promote your bookstore. Partner with local French cultural institutions, influential expats, etc. This is the best way to make yourself known hope this article has helped and inspired you. Opening a French bookstore abroad is an exciting adventure. But it requires careful planning and strategic management: a good location, an attractive catalog, an engaged community, and a marketing strategy… Not to mention the support provided by many stakeholders! All these elements will allow you to create a bookstore that disseminates French literature and culture.