SIBA's fall survey asked booksellers about the effect of tariffs and the ongoing government shutdown on their businesses. A significant number of the respondents said they had been effected by one or both issues:

Are current or proposed tariffs affecting your business?

58% of respondents answered "yes." Some of the issued noted include: 

• Price increases on books
• Security system upgrades and planned construction costs have increased
• Tariffs affecting the costs for goods and shipping from overseas
• Low traffic from international markets
• People planning cheaper holiday celebrations or not planning to travel for the holidays
• When ordering sidelines, we're particularly careful to avoid products that have been hit with rising tariffs 

Is the government shutdown affecting your business?

38% of respondents answered "yes." Issues noted include: 

• Customers are not spending as much
• Slow foot traffic
• People are in a wait-and-see mindset
• “Come November 1st, our area will definitely be worried.”
• “We live in an area that has many Navy and Air Force families”

The survey will remain up through the end of October. SIBA invites booksellers to add their experiences. The information will help to inform SIBA's strategy and programming for 2026.

SIBA wants to hear from its members. If you need help, resources, advocacy, or simply a friendly ear, please reach out to our membership coordinator, Candice Huber, candice@sibaweb.com or to our executive director, Linda-Marie Barrett, lindamarie@sibaweb.com. We’re here for you.