Half Price Books

Ownership

Half Price Books is America's largest family-owned retailer for new and used books with more than 100 brick-and-mortar stores nationwide. While family-owned, it's a national corporate chain, not a Madison-resident-owned business.

Local Sourcing

At least 75% of store merchandise is bought from the public, with the rest made up of overstock new releases, puzzles, new Bibles, cookbooks and children's books. Sourcing is primarily from national distribution channels rather than local Wisconsin suppliers.

Community Involvement

Half Price Books supports efforts to combat illiteracy by partnering with local literacy nonprofits nationwide and highlights local nonprofits from each store's regions during National Literacy Month. The Madison store serves the local community by accepting donation requests from educators and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that promote literacy.

Local Workforce

Half Price Books has an employee rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars based on 717 company reviews on Glassdoor. Employees report good pay for retail with genuinely good benefits including 401k with matching and profit sharing, though some reviews note standard booksellers are not paid a livable wage and the company refuses to negotiate on wages.

Revenue Retention

As a corporate chain with centralized operations, profits and revenue flow primarily to corporate headquarters in Dallas, Texas, with minimal revenue reinvestment at the local Madison level beyond operational expenses.

Local Presence

No website available to analyze.