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Supply chain technology firm Batch has launched a partnership with start-up NearSt, enabling booksellers to automatically show the titles they stock to people searching for them on Google.
The software uses ISBNs stored in the BatchLine stock management tool to automatically generate product listings that are shown in real-time to nearby customers. It is hoped the programme will drive more local shoppers to stores.
Founded in 2015 by Max Kreijn and Nick Brackenbury, NearSt is now planning similar offerings with Facebook and Instagram.
NearSt previously had a long-standing partnership with Bertrams, former owners of the Bertline point-of-sale software, before it was acquired by Batch in 2020.
Co-founder and c.e.o. Nick Brackenbury said: “We’re thrilled to be working with the team at Batchline to help more bookshops get more footfall from shoppers searching online in Google and Facebook. With so many shoppers now looking online it’s more important than ever that bookstores are able to show their local customers that they stock most of the titles people are searching for (and many they might not expect them to stock), and can bring them in for that in-store experience you simply can’t replicate online.”
Batch m.d. Fraser Tanner added: “Independent booksellers are vibrant, exciting, community retailers, who can offer terrific personal service through many channels – online and in person. NearSt enables this discoverability and we are delighted to be working with them as an additional part of BatchLine, the most comprehensive and best-loved bookshop stock management system in the UK and Ireland.”