The race for finding the right mix to compete in the ever changing publishing / bookselling world of the 21st century continues as both Rizzoli and Phaidon make moves to extend their reach.
Rizzoli has announced that it is partnering with the upscale Tampa, Florida bookshop the Oxford Exchange. The new “Studio” site will occupy half of the shop’s floor space and feature only Rizzoli publications.
As the online space expands and the retail avenues shrink it becomes imperative for publishers like Rizzoli to find ways for people to interact physically with their books. Look for more of these types of partnerships and before too long we might just come full circle and see these kind of offerings back in department stores.
Phaidon, the world’s leading publisher and distributor of books, on the other hand, turned digital with their acquisition of Artspace, the leading online marketplace for collecting and discovering fine art.
From the press release:
By acquiring Artspace, Phaidon increases its direct access to global art collectors who are also consumers of its art and design books and multimedia products. Additionally, Artspace benefits from Phaidon’s global distribution and retail presence, sales organization, and relationships with artists and those in the design community.
“We are thrilled with the investment in Artspace. We look forward to enriching the experience of our audience and expanding our reach through new initiatives, including retail presence, product development, and the joint creation of original content,” said Keith Fox, CEO of Phaidon.
“We founded Artspace to bring more art into people’s lives and to help artists, galleries, cultural institutions, and non-profits reach a broader audience. Our mission is enhanced by Phaidon’s iconic brand, legacy of excellence, and international reach,” said Catherine Levene, Co-Founder and CEO of Artspace. “We look forward to building our future together.”
The race is on…
More:
Ritzy reading: Tampa bookstore aims for upscale buyers | The Tampa Tribune
Billionaire Leon Black’s Phaidon Press in Talks to Buy Artspace | Bloomberg