PAANO NAGSIMULA ANG BOOKSALE | Ano Ang Nangyari Sa Booksale?

Summary

Booksale, founded by Emmanuel 'Manny' Sison in 1980, has become the Philippines' largest bargain bookstore by making reading affordable for students and teachers. From humble beginnings selling second-hand books on folding beds, Sison expanded to multiple branches, offering both new and used books at low prices through strategic sourcing and supplier relationships. Despite challenges from online shopping, declining readership, and the pandemic, Booksale has adapted with online operations and continues to serve book lovers. With 41 branches still operating nationwide, the company is entering a new chapter, remaining committed to its mission of making books accessible to all Filipinos.

Takeaways

• 😀 Booksale has been a beloved and affordable bookstore for Filipinos for over four decades.
• 📚 Manny Sison, a man from a modest background, founded Booksale in 1980 after developing a love for reading during his childhood illness.
• 💼 Before starting Booksale, Sison worked in advertising and taught marketing, but always dreamed of making reading more affordable for Filipinos.
• 🏪 Booksale initially began with Sison selling second-hand books on folding beds at various locations, including company canteens and churches.
• 📦 The company's success was built on strong relationships with suppliers, allowing it to sell both second-hand and discounted new books at affordable prices.
• 💸 Booksale's first store opened in Makati Cinema Square in 1980 after Sison saved up P20,000 to fund his dream.
• 🏙️ By its peak, Booksale had 94 branches nationwide, becoming the largest and most popular bargain bookstore in the Philippines.
• 🌍 The rise of the internet and the pandemic presented challenges for Booksale, causing a decline in foot traffic and rising operating costs.
• 📱 In response to these challenges, Booksale expanded into online retail in 2020 through Shopee, offering books, comics, and magazines at affordable prices.
• 💬 Despite some closures, Booksale remains committed to its mission of making reading affordable and is exploring new ways to continue its operations in the future.

Q & A

Who is the founder of Booksale, and what inspired him to start the business?

The founder of Booksale is Emmanuel 'Manny' Sison. He was inspired to start the business after experiencing a love for reading from a young age, especially after contracting polio at the age of six. Unable to play outdoors like other children, Sison immersed himself in books, eventually becoming determined to make reading more affordable for Filipinos.

What was Manny Sison’s background before he started Booksale?

Before starting Booksale, Manny Sison completed his Literature degree at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) and later pursued Law at the University of the East (UE). He then went to the U.S. for a Masters in Marketing and worked as an account director at J. Walter Thompson, one of the leading advertising agencies. He also taught marketing in various universities.

How did Manny Sison fund his early book-selling business?

Sison initially funded his book-selling business by saving up P20,000, which he had earned from various side jobs, including cleaning shoes, selling banana spring rolls, and newspapers. His small business began with a 'folding bed operation' where he sold second-hand books on folding beds at canteens, churches, and bazaars.

What is the origin of the name 'Booksale'?

The name 'Booksale' was chosen not because the company was selling books cheaply, but because its goal was to make reading more affordable for Filipinos. Sison wanted to create a business that could provide affordable access to books for the general public.

How did Booksale manage to offer books at such low prices?

Booksale managed to offer low prices through strong relationships with reliable suppliers and publishers. By purchasing second-hand books and overstock from importers, Sison could sell books at much lower prices. Additionally, he was able to buy overprints of books directly from publishers at discounted rates, contributing to the low prices.

What were some challenges that Booksale faced in its early years?

In its early years, Manny Sison faced skepticism from acquaintances, especially relatives who questioned his decision to sell books on folding beds. He also faced challenges in securing affordable book stock, initially having to search through classified ads and garage sales. Despite this, Sison remained determined and expanded the business.

How did the rise of the internet and online shopping affect Booksale?

The rise of the internet and online shopping led to a decline in the number of people reading physical books. Many consumers began to prefer e-books, accessed through e-readers like Amazon Kindle or tablets. This, combined with the challenges posed by the pandemic, affected Booksale’s operations, leading to store closures and price adjustments.

What happened to Booksale during the COVID-19 pandemic?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Booksale faced significant challenges, including delayed shipments and limited stock. As a result, they had to raise prices slightly. Despite these difficulties, the company continued its operations, maintaining its mission to make books affordable while adapting to the changing market conditions.

What recent changes did Booksale announce in November 2024?

In November 2024, Booksale announced a 'new chapter' for the company through a post by CEO Josh Sison. Despite the closure of some branches, Booksale assured its customers that they were not closing down. The company continues to explore ways to make reading affordable, including expanding their online presence through platforms like Shopee.

How has Booksale adapted to the digital age?

Booksale adapted to the digital age by launching an online store on Shopee, where customers can purchase books, comics, and magazines at affordable prices. This move has allowed the company to stay relevant despite the growing trend of online shopping and the rise of digital reading platforms.