'It gives us an active tenant in the center and, if they can't make a go of it, gives an opportunity to find a more permanent replacement tenant while they stay in business.' He anticipated the deal would extend 'at least for six months, and possibly longer.' David Deason, B&N v-p of development, noted that communication had broken down between the two companies prior to the closure announcement, but negotiations have been productive since then. 'It gives them some chance to see if they can't modify how their business is run,' said John Love, the director of commercial properties for Decron. The Sun-Star reported that officials from B&N and Decron Properties, the building's management company, expect to agree on a month-to-month lease at a lower rent for the 21,714-square-foot building. The Barnes & Noble store in Merced, Calif., will remain open for now, despite last month's announcement of a January closure.

There is much that can be accomplished in terms of public policy if we all work together, as well as many things we can learn from each other to better serve our members.'

'And we hope even more indie trade organizations will join us in the future. 'We look forward to working with our partners in AIB on a range of issues that are critical to the health and continued growth of locally owned businesses nationwide,' said ABA CEO Oren Teicher. AIB was co-founded by the ABA with the American Independent Business Alliance, the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association, the Independent Running Retailers Association, the National Bicycle Dealers Association, the Professional Association of Innkeepers International and Record Store Day. The new coalition will provide a structure for its member organizations to exchange information about successful programs, generate new ideas and advocate for shared public policy goals.

The American Booksellers Association has joined with six other organizations to launch Advocates for Independent Business, 'a coalition of trade associations and other groups dedicated to ensuring that locally owned, independent businesses succeed and thrive,' Bookselling This Week reported.

Dead Mountain by Donnie Eichar