Independent Publishers Group has reorganized its global sales force. In the U.S., effective March 15, sales to independent bookstores will be managed by three commission sales representative groups: Fujii Associates, Imprint Group, and Como Sales.
Fujii will sell to accounts in the Midwest, Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas; Imprint Group will sell to accounts in the Western U.S.; and Como Sales will sell to accounts in the Eastern U.S. Travis Hale has been promoted to field sales manager and will oversee the three rep groups. In addition, Brad Fish has been promoted to manager, educational and library sales, and will oversee sales into the educational wholesale channel.
Tim McCall, senior v-p, sales and marketing, said, "IPG moved to a limited number of inside sales reps at the beginning of the pandemic, a move that accommodated the attendant change in retail business. But it's time to think expansively again, and these three groups collectively bring a diversity of interests, robust industry relationships, and the sort of literary zeal that is the hallmark of every good sales force. These rep groups don't just sell; they're an essential brain trust. I look forward to their counsel and creativity, and I entrust them wholeheartedly with the care of our indispensable, independent retail partners."
In the U.K., IPG has partnered with Gardners Books for distribution and will be represented by Compass for academic and professional sales. These arrangements bolster IPG's existing partnership with Gazelle in the U.K., which covers sales and distribution for trade titles. Scott Hatfill, v-p of international sales at IPG, will oversee all sales and distribution partners in the U.K.