The new slogan reflects a focus on in-store community as a theme of the event. ComicsPRO Vice-President and Director of Education Shannon Live shared the organization's reasoning. "When we envisioned what Local Comic Shop Day could become, we really wanted to focus on the strength of comic shops as third spaces," she said in a statement accompanying the announcement. "Comic shops are destination stores, which means the people who shop them make an active decision to choose that space, and a lot of that comes from the insane amount of work retailers do to make their shops feel like home. We wanted to reflect on that and honor it in the concept of Local Comic Shop Day."
The organization also unveiled a new logo, which was designed by comic writer and designer Tim Daniel to visually communicate the idea of comic shops as a part of a neighborhood while invoking a small business feel.
Publishers are being asked to provide exclusive variants, limited-print items, line-wide discounts, event-in-a-box packs, signed bookplates, and product tie-in materials, including book club materials, release party swag, etc., all limited only to LCSD registered storefronts. The deadline for publisher sign-up is June 2.
ComicsPRO will create a catalog of LCSD products and swag, which it believes will significantly increase retailer participation.
In preparation for the event, ComicsPRO will organize Discord channels for retailers and publishers to streamline planning; create a marketing and events guide for retailers; present a LCSD Official Ambassador; and provide videos (such as the guide to developing creator appearances, below), pre-written press releases, signage and sale ideas, marketing assets, instructions for running kid-friendly scavenger hunts and other support.
Retailer sign-ups will begin in June, with a recommended FOC for orders for the event of July 23.
