From the market to the empire of used books: the adventure of Edoardo Skioscia, founder of the book

Him, Edoardo Skiosciathere has been from the beginning: the idea of ​​the mythical Bookthe chain of bookstores, was his and three other friends. Neapolitan transplanted to Brianza, 66, began among the university political markets in the late seventies and today, which is the CEO of this large company, manages 65 stores in Italy, with a website that goes great.

Going to the book is an experience, which few have never done: whether to sell or to buy at affordable prices, the students pass us regularly, as if it were a ritual. And, in this period of return to school, the stage is almost inevitable.

Obviously he knows every secret: and so, for example, he revealed to us that to sell and buy the best time it is summer, at the beginning of the morning above all, and that, for the sections of art and photography, there are often the catalogs of the large exhibitions sold, new by Pacca, halfway.

The interview with Edoardo Sciospia

But, in your opinion, are the queues to the booklets due to a economic choice or a more sustainable, ethical or even political approach?
«I think there are all these components. Certainly sustainability likes more and more, especially to younger kids. And the used, which was previously chosen by a few, today is instead appreciated in a more general way: exactly as it happened for fashion, the second hand has strengthened and not only as regards school products, but also for reading books ».

You started at the end of the seventies: what changes did it observe in customers’ behaviors in recent years?
«Consumers are increasingly attentive to the service and quality. And so we took great care of the assortment of books, ensuring a wide availability of titles, so that it is difficult not to find what you are looking for. The experience in the shop has also become more central: space, cultural initiatives and insertion in the neighborhoods have become fundamental elements. And that’s why we are lately opening in more peripheral areas, trying to become a reference for the community. So, for example, in October we will open another headquarters in Milan, in via Bernardino Lanino, in the Solari area, and we know that on the neighborhood chats they are already making the count-down: the library is expected as a new meeting and exchange place, ready to feed the cultural life of the area “.

Is the political component with which the book was still born still present?
«In a sense yes: being progressive is part of our history and we always try to piggy at the service of the community. We make initiatives that try to meet people, from children’s workshops to low cost activities to make reading more accessible. After they awarded us with the Golden Ambrogino, we wanted to return Milan and with a cargo bike, for about twenty days, we will go around the city by giving 200 books a day and then we will certainly continue with “I read a lot”: you buy a shopper at a cost of 10 euros and take home all the books that are inside there. In short, we like to be inclusive ».

Have you ever thought of enhancing the ancient books, the first editions loved by collectors?
«Yes, we also have a pool of experts who select rare and collectible books. We also had the first edition of Harry Potterthe one where the wizard does not have glasses. Fans know it: that is found on the web at no less than 2000 euros. For these special editions, we produce four catalogs per year, with the 100 most precious titles, which we also bring to the Turin Book Fair ».

What is your approach to digital?
«Obviously we study the trends carefully, but to be honest in Italian schools digital has never exceeded 3-4%. Now the paper book remains the most effective tool, both for concentration and for the least visual disorder and, in the end, for better learning. We noticed that, however, the use of the Qcode that integrate books with additional digital materials is growing, expanding the contents of what you are reading. The codes to download books in digital version are not as used as well: only 15-20% of people use it and in any case the paper is in the end. There may also be a brake of the teaching staff, which is not always familiar with these new supports, even if the professors are also gradually hudden. But in any case also with this digital that advances, we hold up, react and we are alive and well despite the great competition ».

Speaking of digital, what role does your online site have?
“Libraccio.it It has been active for 16 years and represents a fundamental shoulder. Today 35% of the overall sales go from Oonline and we are able to reach all over Italy. On the site it is also possible to sell your used books, making the service accessible even to those who do not have a nearby venue ».

However, it is not always understood how you evaluate the used books …
«We use algorithms based on school adoptions and on the availability of the local market. We consider the quantity already present, the risk of invented and change edition and then there is always the evaluation of our buyer now expert and sensitive to the trend. Having said that, those who bring the school books first have more possibilities to see them retired at best ».

What used books are most requested?
«The Italian and foreign classics remain the most purchased. Used allows to re -propose important titles of the past, beyond the flow of the latest releases. There are editions of classics out of catalog whose sales are always double -digit.

Do social networks have an effective role in the discovery of titles?
«Yes, they certainly have a positive impact. Some criticize younger readers who start with romance or comics, but I think it is a way to develop pleasure for reading and reading calls other reading ».

Do you make initiatives for families or people in difficulty?
«We do not make activities targeted and declared for people with specific problems, but we certainly do many things so as not to leave anyone excluded. We organize free workshops, low cost activities and we have collaborations with associations such as, for example, Sans’Ambroeus. We also offer low -cost school products, whether they are backpacks or notebooks ».

Last question: what is your book of the heart?
“The master and Margherita The classic that I carry in the heart remains. The ultra book I read and I liked it was Happiness on rainy days by Imogen Clark, the penultimate the fifth book by Antonio Scurati, which I could not lose since I love the historical novel very much. I tend to tend to pages of history and I like that of the seventies, with stories about the lead years ».