June 24, 2010

Got golf clubs? Donate them!

After a talk with an Iraq veteran, our company owner Bob learned that many troops are looking for golf clubs & golf balls to pass the time. The vet said that during his last 2 weeks overseas he had a lot of downtime and found much needed entertainment in hitting around some golf balls.

To help others like him, we're collecting clubs and balls now through July 15th for Local Heroes to send to Iraq and Afghanistan for our troops. Drop them off at any Used Book Superstore to support the cause!

May 19, 2010

Great American Bake Sale coming to Nashua bookstore

Nashua’s Used Book Superstore is joining millions of people throughout the nation in the fight against childhood hunger by hosting a bake sale on Saturday May 22nd from 11:00AM – 5:00PM. This event is part of Share Our Strength’s Great American Bake Sale, a national campaign which mobilizes Americans to end childhood hunger by holding bake sales in their communities.

The bookstore, located in the former Tweeter building at 293 Daniel Webster Highway, is acting as a host location for local volunteers putting on the fundraiser. All money raised through the sale of baked goods will be donated directly to Share Our Strength’s national and local efforts to end childhood hunger in America by 2015. In 2009, the nonprofit group funded more than 300 organizations across the country working to end hunger.

This year nearly 17 million children across the country struggle with hunger; that’s almost 1 in 4 kids. The Great American Bake Sale held at Nashua’s Used Book Superstore supports Share Our Strength’s efforts to end childhood hunger and surround kids facing hunger with nutritious food where they live, learn and play.

About Great American Bake Sale
Share Our Strength’s Great American Bake Sale is presented by Domino Sugar and C&H Sugar. Since 2003, more than 1.7 million people have participated in Great American Bake Sale, raising nearly $6 million to fight childhood hunger. Great American Bake Sale is supported by Food Network and partner Family Circle. Visit GreatAmericanBakeSale.org for more information. :::Read More:::

May 12, 2010

Big news for records in Burlington

Today marks the last week for a new supply of records in the Burlington store, which will soon phase out LPs. The records that are put out this week will follow the regular pricing scale ($3 for the first week), but on Wednesday 5/19 ALL RECORDS ARE 50¢ EACH! This final blowout sale will mark the last day for record sales in Burlington, but they will still be sold in our Danvers and Salem, NH stores. We regret that we must end record sales in Burlington, but due to a dwindling supply of record donations we simply do not have enough inventory to supply 3 stores any longer. This means that the Danvers and Salem stores will absorb the extra supply and will have an even better and fuller stock of records every week. We chose Burlington because it had the lowest records sales; we truly do not want to stop selling records there, or at any store. Please understand why we must do this and please continue to find great LPs at our other locations, all for only $3 and under.

May 10, 2010

The best DVDs we've ever had - literally!

We’re not kidding – every store just got a shipment of the best quality and newest DVDs that we’ve ever had – literally! These are really new titles, some new and some used, but all fantastic and all just $4.00 each. There are many copies of some and just a few of others but these will all definitely go quickly. You really don’t want to miss this: titles that come to mind are The Wrestler, Seven Pounds, Role Models, Marly & Me, Harry Potter, Milk, The Bucket List, Drag Me To Hell, Obsessed, Observe and Report, Year One, Baby Mama, High School Musical 3, The DaVinci Code, Ghost Rider, Nights in Rodanthe, Superbad, Yes Man, Valkyrie, Capote, Horton Hears a Who, Moulin Rouge, Blades of Glory, Rocky Balboa, Back to School, Cloverfield, The Grudge 1 & 2, Juno, Borat…I think you get the idea. Thousands of movies, all available now – get ‘em while they last!

March 8, 2010

Left in Lowell Blog: Bookapalooza

A couple of friends had mentioned this new used bookstore in Nashua on DW. I’ve been on a reading kick lately anyway (even when the TV was workin’) so I decided to check it out last week. It was, to say the least, the most books I’ve bought in a single outing…ever. Awesome. If you’re like me, a voracious reader who likes to own books (the library never appealed to me…I like to reread my beloved books until I practically memorize them), this is your new Mecca.

They also have used DVDs (nothing I was too interested in though), a lot of kids’ books (I thought of my nieces!) and a great section full of old, classic, or rarish books. (I nearly, nearly was insane enough to pick up an old hardbound copy of Ulysses. Almost. I was tempted. Then I came to my senses.)

I did get some classics, though I spent most of my browsing time in the fantasy/scifi section. Heaaaaaaaaaven. Even found one of the few Ursula le Guin book I don’t own. I suspect I will drive the Mr. out of the house with the shelf space I will be taking up from now on. (Political books? *toss* Philosophy? *recycle* And are we reeeealy using these oversized orchestral scores?)

Also, opening soon (next week?) down the street some, is a Savers - a gigantic used everything store. Both stores also team up with local nonprofts, though they are for-profit enterprises. I find it ironic, or maybe just telling, that both these stores opened up where once, two great pillars of electronics stores existed. Savers is at the old Circuit City, and the Used Book Superstore is where the Tweeters used to be. And yes. They both take up all the space inside, to tell you how large these recession-driven stuff sellers really are and how much extremely affordable used goodies they hold.

Reduce, reuse, recycle! Savers and the UBS certainly can help us with that second one. :::Read More:::

March 4, 2010

Secondhand shops supersize to maximize potential

When the economy sours, people look to save money any way they can. That often translates to more conservation and recycling. And that's been a boost to local resale and thrift shops.

Now some of these secondhand businesses are seizing an opportunity created by the downturn: They're moving into the empty spaces bankrupt big-box retailers left behind. Today's new superstore is not a Wal-Mart. It's a for-profit version of the Salvation Army.

In Nashua, there's a Used Book Superstore. The parking lot is packed and it hasn't been this busy since the building housed a now-bankrupt electronics chain called Tweeter.

As she grabs a shopping cart and browses the children's section, customer Rose Watne says there are many good deals: "Love the fact that you're not paying full price for them, but you're getting really good books. I always walk out with more than I came for."

There are 100,000 books stacked on metal shelves. The store may not have the warm vibe of a cafe, but it's well-lit and organized. As with the Savers store down the street, the used bookstore partners with a non-profit organization.

Used Book Superstore gives a tax write-off to donors. Owner Bob Ticehurst says in turn, it pays the nonprofit five cents a pound for the books.

"The nonprofit raises money and we're able to keep all of our operations going," Ticehurst explains. "So, kind of a win-win for everybody."

Ticehurst says the margins are small, but his operation is able to make a profit.

"It's volume. At these prices, being a $1.99 and $2.99 — it's not like you're making a lot on every book, but it continues to add up."

Ticehurst now owns five stores. Like other secondhand merchants, he sticks to a simple business model: high volume, low cost of goods and cheap rent.

According to the National Association of Resale Professionals, the multi-billion-dollar a year industry is growing. Over the past three years, the number of secondhand shops has increased five percent.

"It seems like every time there's a new retail concept, sooner or later, somebody decides to supersize it, if you will," says Gary Mucica, a marketing professor at the University of Massachusetts.

He says thrift shops are typically nonprofit and now that they've demonstrated their potential during a recession, the for-profits are targeting the same frugal customers. Those businesses are helped because of the leasing bargains they're getting on empty storefronts. What's unclear is how this new business model will play out when the economy turns around. :::Read More:::

March 3, 2010

Giving

The Used Book Superstore in Danvers recently donated more than 40 business books to the library at Middleton Jail, to accompany a new course on entrepreneurship and business skills being offered at the prison. :::Read More:::

February 24, 2010

Salem plaza sees new tenants

For months, there was just one open store in the Route 28 Mall plaza. But with several new leases being signed or negotiated, the former home of Furniture World is beginning to fill up.

Used Book Superstore recently opened in 13,500 square feet on the first floor of 419 Broadway. Peter Carbone of Taurus New England Investment, which manages the property, said business has been good so far.

"Early reports are the store is doing very well, and they're very happy," he said.

Taurus also signed a lease with a pet store, Carbone said. That property will also be on the first floor and occupy about 7,500 square feet, he said.

"They'd like to open the store sometime in the next 30 to 45 days," Carbone said.

Taurus is negotiating to lease another first-floor space to someone who would turn it into a "gourmet pizza" restaurant, he said. Several plans for the restaurant have been drawn up and presented to the Planning Board.

"It looks favorable that we will likely end up coming to an agreement with them," Carbone said of the pizza entrepreneur.

If the pizza deal pans out, Carbone said there will only be 4,000 square feet of first-floor space left to rent in the plaza.

Carbone said he was very happy with the leasing of the building.

"It's been empty for a long time," he said. "The leasing has really picked up over the last three or four months."

And while the building was dark for months except for the White Street Paint and Wallpaper store, Carbone said the high-visibility location is expected to be busy.

"People are going to start seeing a lot more activity," he said.

Salem has seen several other vacancies filled recently. Sports Authority will move into the former Linens 'n Things store at 290 S. Broadway. The store is expected to open by summer. :::Read More:::

February 22, 2010

100 books donated to Harbor Schools

The Saugus Used Book Superstore made a charitable donation of more than 100 books to the Harbor Schools High School in Amesbury, MA. The schools aims to update their library with newer and more appealing books for its students to encourage reading for pleasure. Learn more about how your group or school can get needed books here.

February 18, 2010

Over $1400.00 raised for Haiti relief!

For two weeks, each of our Used Book Superstores has been collecting donations for the Haiti relief efforts of the Red Cross. We wanted to have a little fun with it, so we decided to make it a friendly competition with the winning store receiving a 50% off sale for newsletter subscribers. Well. The totals are in, and the stores collected:

Burlington: $463.20
Danvers: $200.11
Saugus: $314.38
Nashua: $376.96
Salem: $47.95

That means Burlington is the lucky winner! We were able to collect $1402.60 in total! We’re so proud of our amazing customers who generously donated to those in need. To show our appreciation the Burlington store will have a newsletter-exclusive sale on Monday March 8th where everything will be 50% OFF! You’ll need to be signed up to receive our newsletter to get the coupon for the sale, so make sure to spread the word!

February 5, 2010

The Trade In Program ends today

The Trade In Program we’ve been running at the Used Book Superstore comes to an end Friday February 5th. While we may revive it again for another run in the future, for now we’ll have our premium items on display to take the place of the Trade In books. Premium items consist of the most popular and in-demand titles you keep asking for and will all be priced at the low flat rate of $5.00. The reason these items fall outside of our regular pricing system is because we rarely receive them as donations so we have purchased them in an effort to provide the best shopping experience for our customers. Because of the above average cost associated with these items we need to charge more for them to be able to provide them to you, though they are still priced far below their original value. Check out our inventory of premium items at a store location near you!

January 29, 2010

Salem, NH Used Book Superstore Opens Today!

Our newest Used Book Superstore opens this Friday in Salem, NH at 419 South Broadway (right on Route 28)! This is officially our largest store yet, with a great mix of over 100,000 books, DVDs, videos, audio books, records and more. This place is really something to see, with its incredible art and photography section, immense selection, and the largest record section among any of our stores. We open at 10:00AM in the former Furniture World building and we'd love to see you there!

January 26, 2010

Help raise money for Haiti at the Used Book Superstore

Starting Friday January 29th we will be collecting for the Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti at each of our Used Book Superstores. The collection will run for 2 weeks and 100% of all proceeds will go directly to the Red Cross. Which store can raise the most money for Haiti? We’re making it a contest to see where the most money comes from and the winning store will have an upcoming 50% OFF SALE as a prize! Show your support and earn yourself a sale by donating at your favorite Used Book Superstore starting Friday.

January 15, 2010

Nashua Used Book Superstore Opens Today!

Join us today at the Nashua Used Book Superstore for our Grand Opening! We start at 10:00AM and we're located at 293 Daniel Webster Highway (former Tweeter). With over 100,000 books and more, you definitely don't want to miss this!

January 13, 2010

Tweeter, Circuit City buildings' new tenants focus on
second-hand sales

It almost couldn’t be more of a coincidence. Within the same 24-hour period, two chains based on opposite coasts announced plans to open a Nashua store this winter, one moving into the old Circuit City building and another occupying the old Tweeter.

They will practically be neighbors on the Daniel Webster Highway, both filling a big void created in the city’s retail corridor when two of the largest big-box retailers went bankrupt. But the real irony is in the similarity of their business models.

Both are essentially second-hand superstores with a unique business approach: They are for-profit companies that partner with local charities to serve as significant source of fundraising.

Although the stores are a far cry from their electronic-store predecessors, the timing may serve as an indication that discount, thrift and second-hand stores are about the only stores daring to expand these days.

The old Tweeter building at 293 Daniel Webster Highway is getting a makeover in preparation for its new tenant, a relatively new Massachusetts-based chain with three locations called Used Book Superstore. The Nashua store will be the first in New Hampshire and quickly followed by a second in Salem.

Owner Bob Ticehurst has signed a five-year lease for the Tweeter building, which has been vacant since the electronics chain shut down in December 2008. The book store will have a soft opening Friday at 10 a.m. and an official grand opening Jan. 22.

The old Circuit City at 224 Daniel Webster Highway will have to wait until March 18 for its new tenant, a thrift store called Savers based out of Bellevue, Wash., with more than 230 locations in the U.S., Canada and Australia.

Ticehurst, a former accountant and Marine reservist, was going for a brighter and more orderly concept than what people usually envision with used book stores when he opened the flagship Used Book Superstore in Burlington, Mass., in 2008.

“They think of used book stores as old and dark,” Ticehurst said. “People say this is like a Best Buy, but all books.”

The stores are huge, each with an estimated 100,000 books for sale. They have wide aisles, bright lighting and seating areas. The books are highly organized into more than 100 subcategories, according to Ticehurst, making it easier for customers to find what they need.

All books in the store cost $2.99 or less, which is why Ticehurst thinks now is an ideal time to expand.

“In this economy, it’s a perfect time for us to open,” he said. “Without spending a lot of money, people can walk out of here with a bag full of books.”

The stores also sell DVDs, CDs, audiobooks, VHS tapes and records.

Used Book Superstore also accepts donations at the store, but most of the merchandise actually comes directly from charities and nonprofit groups. About 300 nonprofits sell books they’ve collected through donations and drop boxes to the store as a method of fundraising.

Ticehurst has actually been selling books since 2000, when he founded a business called Got Books to sell used titles through Web sites like eBay and Amazon. He started out small, using his home as a warehouse, but outgrew the space in six months. He has since moved seven times to accommodate his growing inventory.

The partnership with nonprofits began around 2004, Ticehurst said. The program’s biggest partner is a Lowell, Mass.-based organization for adults with developmental disabilities and their families called Remarkable, Active, Resilient Adults of Greater Lowell Inc., or RARA. The organization has raised about $50,000 thus far through the program, Ticehurst said, enough to purchase a 15-passenger van.

Ticehurst now employs about 100 people through parent company Got Books and subsidiary Used Book Superstore. The Nashua and Salem stores are the fourth and fifth, following Burlington, Danvers and Saugus. The Salem store, located in the old Furniture World building at 419 South Broadway, will open Feb. 5.

Inventory in the stores changes daily. Hardbacks sell for $2.99, paperbacks cost $1.99 and children’s books sell for $1.29. DVDs are $4 and CDs typically sell for less than $2.

Got Books was recognized by MassRecycle as the Recycling Green Business of the Year for keeping more than 15 million books out of the trash between 2007 and 2008. To find a list of drop off sites, visit www.gotbooks.com. :::Read More:::

January 11, 2010

New England’s largest used book store comes
to New Hampshire

In just a few weeks, two of the largest used book stores in New England will open their doors in New Hampshire as the Used Book Superstore retail chain expands to Nashua and Salem. Combined, more than 25,000 square feet will be dedicated to the sale of new and gently used books and other media. The Nashua store will open on January 22nd in the former Tweeter building at 281 Daniel Webster Highway and the Salem store will take over the former Furniture World building at 419 South Broadway (Route 28) on February 5th.

Renowned for its positive environmental and community impact, as well as its bottom level prices, the Used Book Superstore has been featured in such outlets as Channel 5’s nightly news program Chronicle and as the Boston Globe’s Shopping Tip of the Day. In a time when many other companies are downsizing and even closing up shop, the Used Book Superstore and its parent company Got Books has thrived, expanding to five retail locations in just over one year and hiring more than 100 local employees.

The Used Book Superstore is nothing like you’ve seen before with over 100,000 books at each store location sorted into more than 100 specific categories, with thousands of items added to the shelves daily. Unlike a typical used book store, the UBS combines wide aisles, bright lighting, and highly organized items to create an environment conducive to browsing, searching, and lounging. Whether you want to get in and out with a specific title or peruse a pile in a plush armchair, this store can cater to you. Previously limited to three Massachusetts locations in Burlington, Danvers, and Saugus, the UBS is crossing into New Hampshire for the first time and bringing its “All Books $2.99 or Less” motto with it. :::Read More::

January 10, 2010

Used Book Superstore offering discounts

Get a discount just for being a customer. Now customers can at Used Book Superstore. The months of January and February will bring 50 percent savings for several groups around the neighborhood as a chance to reward members of the communities in which the stores are located.

In January, each Saturday will mean a 50 percent off discount for these groups: Jan. 2: Teachers; Jan. 9: Veterans; Jan. 23: Nurses; Jan. 30: Police Officers.

The same discount will benefit these groups in February: Feb. 6: Librarians; Feb. 13: Firefighters; Feb. 20: Senior Citizens; Feb. 27: Students.

To obtain any discount, proper identification will be required. The Used Book Superstore has a location at 256 Cambridge St., in Burlington, 139 Endicott St., in Danvers, and at the Square One Mall in Saugus. To learn more visit www.usedbooksuperstore.com. :::Read More:::

January 9, 2010

Salem loses one bookstore, but gets another

The closure of a discount bookstore will pave the way for a more permanent tenant in one of Salem's large retail buildings, and other empty spots may be filling up soon.

Strictly By the Book at 290 South Broadway always was meant to be a temporary tenant, town planner Ross Moldoff said. The sign for Linens-N-Things, which occupied the space before the national chain went out of business in late 2008, still is partially visible beneath a plastic sign advertising books.

Moldoff said the owners of the property have found a more permanent tenant, but the deal had not been finalized so he could not say what store will be moving in.

"It's great news for the owner of the property," he said. "It's great news for the town of Salem."

While one bookstore is closing, another one will open soon. The former Furniture World at 419 South Broadway will soon be home to a Used Book Superstore, which is slated to open Feb. 5. That store had been vacant since 2007.

The store is owned by Got Books, a for-profit used book seller that sells donated books online and in stores in Burlington and Danvers. They will also open a new store in Nashua, according to their Web site.

The property is owned by Boston-based Taurus Management. Moldoff said the new bookstore seemed to be intended as a permanent use for the property.

Moldoff said he has been fielding more calls in recent weeks from people interested in becoming tenants in some of the town's vacant commercial real estate.

"That seems to be picking up from the end of last year," he said.

Moldoff said the town has been trying to do whatever it can to fill empty spots.

"The Planning Board has been very positive about trying to help get new tenants in some of these buildings," he said.

Denis Buckley of Salem, who was shopping at the Petco next to Strictly by the Book yesterday, said seeing that store empty was not a surprise. He said he has always noticed some vacancies in the 33 years he lived in Salem, but the last two years he has seen many more.

"I just think that this has become the way of the world," he said. "You don't know what is going to be here." :::Read More:::

October 19, 2009

Ticehurst honored by RARA

RARA, a small private non-profit agency serving developmentally challenged adults in the greater Lowell area, will be honoring Bob Ticehurst, president of “Got Books,” for his ongoing philanthropic giving to benefit RARA’s clients. 

A recognition dinner will be held on October 21 at 6:00 at the Holiday Inn in Tewksbury. 

RARA board members will present Ticehurst with four plaques to be displayed in the company’s four locations in Lawrence, Burlington, Danvers and Saugus. 

RARA has been part of the “Got Books” fundraising program since 2006. Clients and friends of RARA have collected thousands of books to raise enough money to purchase a badly needed handicapped accessible 13- passenger van.

With the help of Ticehurst and his non-profit organizations program, RARA continues to raise funds to help provide quality social, athletic, and recreational activities that enhance the lives of their special needs membership.:::Read More:::

August 4, 2009

Used Book Superstore celebrates first anniversary with
events all week

Burlington’s Used Book Superstore is fast approaching the one year mark and commemorating the anniversary with a week-long celebration featuring community events each day. Visit the store at 256 Cambridge Street (Route 3A) between August 10th and August 16th to participate in these events:

Monday August 10th: Free books and videos will be set up outside the store for a ‘Sidewalk Giveaway’ event beginning at 10:00AM. Customers may take as many as they like and the stock will be refilled twice during the day.

Tuesday August 11th: Bring in the kids for music, magic, face painting, storytelling by Tony Toledo and more will fill the hours between 10:00AM and 4:00PM on Kids Day. In addition, all children’s books will be on sale for 49 cents each.

Wednesday August 12th: Get a jump on the holiday season this year with the ‘Christmas in August’ event, which will feature a $1 sale on all Christmas and Chanukah books.

Thursday August 13th: Spend to save on ‘Coupon Day’. Customers who spend $10 or more will receive a 30% off coupon for future use.

Friday August 14th: Stock up on video cassettes during the VHS sale with all video tapes priced at just 50 cents each all day.

Saturday August 15th: Celebrate the store’s official birthday with cake and cupcakes for all visitors starting at Noon.

Sunday August 16th: Keep the celebration going on Sunday with free pizza and more between Noon and 2:00PM.

The Burlington Used Book Superstore is not your typical used book store. With over 100,000 books and thousands more added daily, it’s one of the largest used book stores in New England. All used books and most new books are 90% off the original price.

Donations of books, CDs, DVDs, videos, and audio books made at the Burlington store benefit nonprofit group RARA (Retarded Adult Rehabilitation Association) and are eligible for a tax receipt.

The Used Book Superstore is open from 10:00AM to 8:00PM on Monday through Saturday and from 10:00AM to 6:00PM on Sunday. For more information visit www.UsedBookSuperstore.com.

July 23, 2009

Free Magic Show at the Used Book Superstore

June 23, 2009

Kids get free books at Danvers book store

June 9, 2009

Book donations at the Used Book Superstore
raise money for RARA

The Retarded Adult Rehabilitation Association (RARA) has recently begun a partnership with local book seller Used Book Superstore to receive fundraising payment for all books donated at their retail locations. Other items acceptable for donation include DVDs, CDs, VHS tapes, and audio books.

RARA, a nonprofit organization headquartered in Lowell, serves developmentally delayed adults in the Greater Merrimack Valley region by providing programs and classes as social, recreational, educational, and pre-vocational outlets. Their mission is to promote public awareness and understanding of the needs and issues specific to the mentally handicapped and their families.

Funding for RARA is primarily comprised of donations from the community, and they will now be able to add the funding from items donated at the Used Book Superstore (located in at 256 Cambridge Street in Burlington and 139 Endicott Street in Danvers) to their collection. The group is paid for every item donated at these stores.

When patrons choose to donate their unneeded books to RARA at the bookstore they will immediately receive a tax receipt on behalf of RARA. The Used Book Superstore will then buy the items from RARA and they will be sorted by the bookstore’s parent company Got Books to determine their best future use, including stocking the shelves at the local bookstores.

This new bookstore fundraising program is the latest in a long standing partnership between RARA and Got Books, who first partnered in 2006. Since then Got Books has raised over $46,000.00 for RARA’s causes through their book collection fundraising program and their Charity Book Sale, allowing RARA to purchase a brand new 15-passenger van (here) and fund their diverse community programming. :::Read More:::

April 23, 2009

Superstore has 'got books' at the mall

“Ignore all price stickers.”

That’s the message posted on the walls throughout the newest store at Square One Mall — the Used Book Super Store.

Most of the books at this new store are priced to sell at low rates, ranging from $1.99 for a paperback to $6 for an audio book on a CD.

If you need some books for the kids or are looking for an audiotape for a long car ride, you’re in luck — the “Used Book Super Store” has just moved into the old Walden Books location on the second floor of Square One Mall, located at the top of the escalator near the Sears end of the mall.

Owner Bob Ticehurst began his “Got Books” used book business over eight years ago in his parents’ Billerica basement.

Ticehurst is not the only one who profits from the recycling of used books. Charities and organizations have the potential to earn thousands of dollars if they place a “Got Books” metal container on their property, and collect book donations throughout the year.

For instance, the “Got Books” container, which sits on the Main Street property of the First Baptist Church in Saugus, earned about $3,000 last year.

Schools willing to host a container receive gift certificates, and can come into the stores and get free books, explained Ticehurst, who now has stores in Danvers and Burlington as well as Saugus.

Other Got Books locations donate the money they earn from collecting books to scholarships or other charities.

The Used Book Super Store offers specials on Wednesdays, a 20 percent discount for teachers, and on Thursdays, a 20 discount to veterans on anything in the store.

“While we don’t buy or offer trade-ins for books, we do accept book donations in several ways. These donations allow us to fund many community programs such as Books for Troops and Books for Teachers,” said Ticehurst who adds on his Web site, “Book donations from community members not only allow us to run our many programs, they also allow us to offer great books at great prices.”

Anyone who wishes to donate books can drop them off in Saugus at the First Baptist Church, 105 Main St. or at the Breakheart Reservation, 177 Forest St.

This company also offers a free pick-up service in eastern Massachusetts and donations can also be made at either the Burlington or Danvers stores, but not in Saugus.

On the shelves

“We’re pretty particular about the books we put on the shelves,” said Ticehurst, who mentioned that damaged books or those with missing pages are recycled at a paper plant in Wilmington.

Books, videos, DVDs, books on tapes and large print books are all sold at the Superstore.

In this economy, the price is right with all children’s books selling for $1.29; paperback books offered at $1.99; and the hardcover books going for $2.99. Audio books on tape sell for just $2.99.

 “Marketing coordinator Michelle Bushee explained the store is open Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, from 12 noon to 6 p.m.

She pointed out their business won the 2008 “Green Business Award” from the Mass Recycling Coalition.

“Nothing is thrown in the trash,” she added.

The books are separated by category, but only a few sections — such as children’s series and paperback fiction — are categorized by authors, explained Bushee.

“We add hundreds of books every day,” said Ticehurst, who said he opened his first super store in Burlington last summer and added his Danvers location in November.

The Saugus store employs eight people — three full-timers and five part time employees, said Ticehurst.

Noting the Saugus store as close to 50,000 different books on the shelves, Ticehurst pointed out he will soon be adding chairs for customers who wish to take a seat and browse.

Teachers who shop here “have a field day,” quipped Ticehurst, who pointed out that he has shelves stocked with two of the most popular children’s series Junie B. Jones and Magic Tree House.

As she was stocking shelves on the store’s opening day, employee Carolyn Summers observed, “It’s a wonderful concept. It’s nice to see a book recycling program that puts all the books to good use.”

“We are glad to be in a mall. The Walden Books customers were sad to see that store close in January. Every mall should have a book store,” added Ticehurst.

Online newsletter

Ticehurst has 4,700 people signed up to receive his online newsletter, which offers special coupons to regular customers. For instance, there is a $1 sale on certain days for those who bring in the coupon, said the owner.

Anyone who would like to subscribe to the newsletter can visit the Web site at www.UsedBookSuperstore.com. :::Read More:::

January 20, 2009

N.S. 'superstore' gives new life to old books

Make it simple and inexpensive and they will come. That's the business plan behind the successful Used Book Superstore, with stores at 139 Endicott St. in Danvers and 256 Cambridge St. in Burlington. Readers flock to the stores for their well known bargains and easy pricing structure. In Danvers, softcover books are $1.99 and hardbacks $2.99. Simple as that.

The concept was the brain-child of Bob Ticehurst, who pursued an education in business and eight years ago founded Got Books, the parent company of the used book outlets. :::Read More:::

December 11, 2008

Used Book Superstore

November 21, 2008

Town of Danvers welcomes the Used Book Superstore

Danvers Recycling Coordinator Pam Irwin formally welcomes Got Books to town, with the opening of their Used Book Superstore. She writes:

"Welcome to Danvers! I am happy to have the Used Book Superstore in Danvers. Over the years you have participated in my recycling events and we have had a great deal of success. I am confident this bookstore will only add to that success. You provide a great service in so many ways, recycling books is only one of them. Danvers is lucky to have your newest store and I wish you all the very best. Please feel free to contact me if there's any way I can help or if you have any questions about our community."

November 19, 2008

Spotlight on bookstores: Used Book Superstore in Burlington

I had seen ads in the Boston Globe with the headline “Got Books?” and I thought “Got curious!” … the family and I headed up to Burlington this past weekend to find out what it was all about.

Before we drove there, I did a little research on-line to find out more about this bookstore with the attention-getting “Got Books?” slogan.

The Used Book Superstore is in a strip mall on Cambridge Street, easy to get to from Rtes. 128 and 3A.  They’re open Monday – Saturday 10-8, and Sunday 10-6.

When we stepped inside, I was impressed by the size (at 13,000 square feet they claim to be one of the largest used bookstores in Massachusetts), and the organization.  Hardcover books are shelved separately from paperbacks, and fiction is shelved separately from non-fiction.  Grouped alphabetically or by subject, it’s easy to find what you’re looking for.  Or, at least to find where what you’re looking for should be.  I did see several near-pristine copies of popular fiction, such as novels by Carol Shields, Anne Tyler and Anita Shreve.  I’m pretty particular about the condition of used books I buy, so I was happy to snag a few!

The children’s section is large and open.  There’s a small playspace with a chalkboard and a few smaller tables and chairs for the kids to look at their books while Mom and Dad keep shopping. :::Read More:::

November 14, 2008

Got Books opens the second Used Book Superstore

Danvers area residents now have a new spot to call their own. A new community bookstore, the Used Book Superstore opened in Endicott Plaza at 139 Endicott Street on Friday, November 14th. The store offered residents a new alterative in the purchase of books and more, as well as a section for children’s and teen books.

The Superstore also offers locals something unique: weekly discounts for all current and former military members and local educators. Teachers will receive 20 percent off their entire purchase every Wednesday after showing any form of proof that identifies them as a currently employed paid teacher or certified home school instructor. This program was developed in an attempt to lessen the burden of financing books for classrooms that many teachers currently deal with. Veterans will receive their 20 percent discount every Thursday after showing any form of military identification.

All other patrons need not worry; every book is discounted to a simple pricing system, which states that paperbacks sell for $1.99, hard covers for $2.99, and kids books for $1.29, among others. The Superstore offers more than 100,000 new and gently used books sorted into more than 100 categories with inventory added daily, as well as a selection of videos, audio books, and text books. Books for kids are in abundance, with picture books to young adult and everything in between.

The Used Book Superstore is located in Endicott Plaza between Savers and Ocean State Job Lot. Store hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. :::Read More:::

November 11, 2008

Got Books opening new chapter in Danvers

Lawrence and Burlington have Got Books and come Friday, Danvers, will too.That's when the hybrid used book seller and professional fundraiser opens its second Used Book Superstore — in a 13,000-square-foot-space in Endicott Plaza, 139 Endicott St. The store will be adjacent to an Ocean State Job Lot and a Savers thrift store. The 70-employee, rapidly expanding Got Books is not your run of the mill used-book seller.

While it takes in donated books, CDs and DVDs, it is a for-profit company with a mission of finding new homes for used books. It uses some of its proceeds to support a variety of nonprofits. It also has a mission of keeping tons of books out of the waste stream, saving municipalities money on trash tipping fees.

Got Books gets books from nearly 300 collection boxes at area churches and schools, or it picks them up for free. From its collection boxes, it pays charities, schools and organizations by the pound. When the books come into its warehouse in Lawrence, a worker uses a handheld device to scan and sort the books. Only about 10 percent are good enough to sell online.

"That's what we need to pay the bills," said president and founder Bob Ticehurst, 30. The Arlington native and ex-Marine firefighter first started selling books on the side eight years ago as an accountant at a Boston investment management firm.

The books Got Books can't sell online go to its stores or to its charity book sale in Lawrence, which sells books for a buck Thursday through Saturday. Half the profits from the charity sale go to certain nonprofits. It also operates a program to donate books to troops and teachers.

At the Danvers store, books will be a bargain, selling for $1.99 for paperbacks, $2.99 for hardcovers and $3.99 for coffee table books.

"The goal is not to overprice things," Ticehurst said. "We want to get them (the books) back into the community." :::Read More:::

November 10, 2008

Used Book Superstore opening in Danvers

Danvers area residents will soon have a new spot to call their own. A new community bookstore, the Used Book Superstore will be opening in Endicott Plaza at 139 Endicott Street on Friday, November 14th. The store will offer residents a new alterative in the purchase of books and more, as well as a section for children’s and teen books.

The Superstore will also offer locals something unique: weekly discounts for all current and former military members and local educators. Teachers will receive 20 percent off their entire purchase every Wednesday after showing any form of proof that identifies them as a currently employed paid teacher or certified home school instructor. This program was developed in an attempt to lessen the burden of financing books for classrooms that many teachers currently deal with. Veterans will receive their 20 percent discount every Thursday after showing any form of military identification.

All other patrons need not worry; every book will be discounted to a simple pricing system, which states that paperbacks sell for $1.99, hard covers for $2.99, and kids books for $1.29, among others. The Superstore offers more than 100,000 new and gently used books sorted into more than 100 categories with inventory added daily, as well as a selection of videos, audio books, and text books. Books for kids are in abundance, with picture books to young adult and everything in between.

The Used Book Superstore is located in Endicott Plaza between Savers and Ocean State Job Lot. Store hours will be Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. :::Read More:::

October 17, 2008

Got Books and the Used Book Superstore featured
on WCVB's 'Chronicle'

Do you want to be eco-conscious – and economically conscious? In other words … would you like to go green and save green at the same time? Tonight, we go shopping for some essentials with one rule: everything has to be recycled, repurposed, and really cheap. And with that in mind, we find furniture, jewelry, house wares, clothing and books at prices that will make your friends green with envy. Visit the Used Book Superstore at 256 Cambridge Street in Burlington for over 100,000 new and gently used books, all 90% off the original price. :::Read More:::

September 19, 2008

Books for Troops night wins big at Burlington bookstore

Got Books? Well, many local soldiers now do. Lawrence-based organization “Got Books?” is in the midst of a year long program in which they have pledged to send at least 25,000 books overseas to local troops in 2008.

The first “Books for Troops” night took place on Thursday, September 18 at the Used Book Superstore in Burlington, a tradition which will be repeated on the third Thursday of every month. In the program, Got Books sorts, selects, and ships books in care packages to local servicemen and women who are currently stationed overseas. This service is provided free of cost to the public.

At the monthly “Books for Troops” night, members of the community are encouraged to select any book in the store which they feel would be good to include in a care package. Paperbacks and smaller books are recommended so that more books will be able to fit in each package. Packages will be filled and marked with postage right at the store and shipped to one of the contacts on the group’s waiting list. Visitors are also encouraged to submit the name and address of someone they know overseas to receive a future package.
The “Books for Troops” program was developed earlier this year by Got Books founder and former Marine Bob Ticehurst, with the aim of giving back to the local community and the military that he once served. “Being able to give these books to men and women who are fighting for us is so gratifying. We want to do anything we can to make their time overseas more enjoyable.”

“Books for Troops” nights will be held on the third Thursday of every month from 5:00PM to 8:00PM at the Used Book Superstore on 256 Cambridge Street in Burlington. To learn more about the program or to submit a name to receive a package visit www.GotBooks.com/troops.

August 17, 2008

Boston Globe's 'Shelf Life' features the Used Book Superstore

Pre-owned tomes
The newly opened Used Book Superstore in Burlington has a pricing strategy that echoes its name: All books are sold for 10 percent of the original price, with a $1 minimum.

Got Books Inc., which operates the Burlington store as well as Charity Book Sale, a used bookstore in Lawrence, counts on the largesse of book lovers for most of its inventory. A for-profit company that does some charity work, its book-pickup service appeals to people who'd rather have their unwanted books hauled away than try to sell the books themselves, according to marketing coordinator Michelle Bushee. Got Books also collects books in about 300 drop-off containers throughout New England. The books generally do not qualify for a tax deduction, except at five locations.

At the Burlington store, children's books account for about a quarter of the 100,000 volumes on the shelves, Bushee said. The 13,000-square-foot store, which opened Friday, also sells audiobooks, CDs, and DVDs.

The Burlington store is strictly a for-profit enterprise, Bushee said. The company does donate and ship books to troops overseas, an effort shoppers are invited to participate in every Thursday. At the Lawrence store, half of the proceeds are donated to nonprofits. The Used Book Superstore is at 256 Cambridge St. off Route 128. :::Read More:::

August 15, 2008

The Boston Globe makes the Used Book Superstore the Shopping Tip of the Day

This daily feature of the Boston Globe has set its sights on our Used Book Superstore! The UBS was featured as the tip of the day on Friday, August 15th. See it here.

August 15, 2008

Books, Books, So Many Books!

Got Books?, an organization that collects books for charities including Walter Reed Army Hospital and Books for Teachers, is opening a Used Book Superstore in Burlington today. The store will feature more than 100,000 books. 256 Cambridge Street, Burlington. :::Read More:::

August 13, 2008

Browse or bust

When you want a mega used bookstore, well, perhaps nothing else will do. Now there’s a new one opening in the Boston area. Used Book Superstore, which will host its grand opening on Friday, says it will offer 100,000 used books in over 100 categories under one roof. The store is located at 256 Cambridge St. and is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Check it out online at www.UsedBookSuperstore.com. :::Read More:::