Indie book retailers step into online circular economy space as Bookshop.org unveils recycling service powered by Zeercle

Bookshop.org is launching Bookloop by Bookshop.org, a service powered by a new partnership with Zeercle, that enables customers to exchange pre-owned books for store credit to use on future Bookshop.org purchases.

A scan and collect-from home service, Zeercle operates partnerships in France, Germany and on the UK high street through bookselling chain WHSmith.

Independent booksellers in the UK will have access to this online circular economy market for the first time, with the opportunity to benefit directly from customers spending the credit they receive on new books through Bookshop.org.

Through this new partnership, Bookshop.org will not be selling used titles on its platform, which will continue to carry exclusively new books. Instead, as part of the agreement, Zeercle will sell on any traded titles through online marketplaces that explicitly exclude Amazon owned and operated websites.

Zeercle is also committed to contributing a percentage of second hand book sales to authors, through an arrangement with the Society of Authors and the Authors' Licensing and Collecting Society (ALCS) called 'Bookloop by Bookshop.org for Authors'.

The plan is for accumulated royalties to be distributed initially through a shared author fund, to be reviewed from March of next year.   

Nicole Vanderbilt, Managing Director at Bookshop.org UK, says: “We are very excited to launch Bookloop by Bookshop.org, powered by our new partnership with Zeercle.”

“While as a platform we carry exclusively new books, we are keen to offer the opportunity to our customers to exchange their pre-owned books for credit to use on our website.”

“This will still bring a benefit to independent booksellers, boosting sales that will help them gain extra commissions, as well as authors via the arrangement with ALCS and the Society of Authors, while ensuring the second-hand books don’t end up on Amazon.”

Eric Gagnaire, Co-Founder and CEO at Zeercle, says: “We are incredibly excited to partner with Bookshop.org to launch the Bookloop service in the UK. Our mission is to promote sustainability in the retail industry, and this service aligns perfectly with our goals.”

“By giving books a second life, we are not only reducing waste but also fostering a community of readers who value sustainability and support independent bookshops. This initiative is a win-win for both the environment and the local economy.”

Anna Ganley, Chief Executive of the Society of Authors, says: “We’re thrilled to support the launch of Bookloop by Bookshop.org in the UK, and it’s great to see the thoughtful way Zeercle and Bookshop.org have brought their win-win approach to the second hand book market.”

“At a time when authors, like independent bookshops, are under so much pressure through technology and changes in the way books are bought and sold, we’re excited to see how authors will benefit, and hope it will strengthen the connection between authors and bookshops.”

Amber Harrison, Co-Founder of independent bookshop FOLDE in Dorset, says: “We're excited to see this new initiative launch. Independent bookshops have led the way in retail when it comes to sustainability, from being more environmentally responsible to reducing waste.”

“Closing the loop on getting pre-owned books to new readers while benefiting both bookshops and authors feels extremely positive. It's a really sustainable way of getting books into the hands of more people, without cost being a barrier.”

2024 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Sustainable retail is a key focus area for the sixth edition of the RTIH Innovation Awards, which is now open for entries.

The awards, sponsored by CADS, 3D Cloud, Retail Technology Show 2025, and Business France, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

It’s free to enter and you can do so across multiple categories.

Key 2024 dates

Friday, 25th October: Award entry deadline 

Tuesday, 29th October: 2024 shortlist revealed

30th October-6th November: Judging days

Thursday, 21st November: Winners announced at the 2024 RTIH Innovation Awards ceremony, to be held at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London.