Since the first of the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns hit in March 2020, indie booksellers have found themselves in a permanent state of Cyber Monday-to-Sunday, raising their online sales game to meet ever-altering challenges. So the "traditional version" of Cyber Monday yesterday may have seemed like business as usual.
Still celebrated by many bookshops, however, is Cider Monday, which was launched several years ago by Willard Williams, owner of Toadstool Bookshops, with stores in Keene, Peterborough and Nashua, N.H.
The American Booksellers Association tweeted: "Let's hear it for #CiderMonday, a @theAMIBA project dreamed up by Willard Williams of @toadstoolbooks. This special holiday is the perfect antidote to Cyber Monday. Encourage customers to #ShopLocalNow so they can shop local forever!" Among yesterday's bookish cider aficionados:
Titcomb's Bookshop, East Sandwich, Mass.: "Happy Cider Monday! Sure, you could stay at home and browse deals on your computer…. OR you could come over our way for a cup of hot apple cider and some delicious cookies while you browse a thoughtful selection of books, toys and gifts! Today we celebrate shopping local and spending time together in our community. And apple cider, of course."
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| At Next Chapter Bookstore, Barre, Vt. | |
Village Square Booksellers, Bellows Falls, Vt.: "Cider and cider donuts all ready for Cider Monday at Village Square Booksellers. Let us do your 'cyber' work today."
Main Street Books, Minot, N.Dak.: "Happy Cyber Monday (or Cider Monday, for those of us who don't conform to the big corporate vernacular)!! This whole week, get FREE SHIPPING on online orders over $75! Plus free hot cider and candy canes all day today!"
Bridgeside Books, Waterbury, Vt.: "Does your 'cyber Monday' order come with free cider donuts and mulled cider from Cold Hollow Cider Mill? We didn't think so. Try on CIDER Monday for size and see how you like it here in the bookstore!"
Wheatberry Books, Chillicothe, Ohio: "Don't feel like you have to spend all day online today. Visit Wheatberry for our annual 'Cider Monday' celebration. Free cups of Hirsch Fruit Farm apple cider for everyone!"
Brace Books & More, Ponca City, Okla.: "Cyber Monday...? Oh, we thought you said CIDER Monday! Oh well, come by and check out our full line of ciders, teas and hot cocoas! Republic of Tea has a flavor for everyone.... We also have Aspen Mulling Spices!... Don't forget the chocolate lover with hot chocolate in every flavor!"
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| At Rough Draft, Kingston, N.Y. | |
Rough Draft Bar & Books, Kingston, N.Y.: "Cider Monday > Cyber Monday. Since we're all about those in-person sales, we're commemorating today with $1 off all cider--hard, mulled, draft, and cans. Open 8-8. (And if you are inclined to do some online shopping today, remember you can purchase virtual gift cards for many local businesses--including RD!--on their websites.)"
BookBar, Denver, Colo.: "Who needs a cyber Monday when you could have Cider Monday instead?! All day today at BookBar, our Summit Hard Ciders will be $2 off. Come by the store for drinks, holiday shopping, recommendations, and some relaxing on the patio. Cheers!"
Book Bin, Onley, Va.: "Take a break from all your online shopping this Cyber Monday and make it a CIDER Monday! 50% off delicious hot apple cider for today only!"