ST PETERSBURG, FL – 22/01/2026 – (SeaPRwire) – Independent bookstores are increasingly seeking technology that simplifies daily operations while supporting both digital storefronts and in-store transactions. Industry sources report that Emersoft plans to introduce a Pubnet electronic ordering integration for its Emersoft Books Shopify App in the first quarter of 2026, expanding Shopify into a consolidated commerce and operations platform tailored specifically for booksellers operating across multiple sales channels.
The forthcoming integration is designed to address longstanding fragmentation in bookstore technology stacks, where retailers often rely on separate systems for ecommerce, point-of-sale, inventory management, and publisher ordering. By combining Shopify’s ecommerce and POS capabilities with Emersoft’s bookstore-specific application and Pubnet’s Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) network, the solution enables a single operational environment that synchronizes sales, inventory, and purchasing workflows in real time.
Unified Operations Across Online and Physical Channels
The integrated system connects Shopify POS for physical locations, Shopify’s online storefront tools, and Pubnet’s publisher ordering infrastructure into one continuously synchronized platform. Transactions processed at the counter, online, or at offsite events automatically update inventory by location without manual reconciliation. This live visibility allows staff to monitor sell-through performance, identify replenishment needs, and make purchasing decisions based on current data rather than manual estimates.
Ordering workflows are also consolidated directly within Shopify. Staff can generate purchase orders from the same interface used to manage inventory and sales, while Emersoft routes these orders through Pubnet to participating publishers and distributors. Order confirmations, shipping updates, and invoices return through the same workflow and attach to the originating purchase records, reducing administrative overhead and minimizing manual tracking.
Operational Benefits for Multi-Channel Booksellers
The platform is positioned to support bookstores regardless of whether they operate primarily online, primarily in-store, or through a blended omnichannel model. Real-time inventory synchronization prevents customers from placing online orders for titles that are no longer in stock at the physical location, while in-store replenishment orders automatically reflect across digital catalogs. A shared ISBN database, unified inventory logic, and centralized purchasing workflows eliminate duplicate data management.
For brick-and-mortar teams, the system provides structured visibility into fast-moving titles, low-stock alerts, and reorder activity by publisher or distributor, enabling consistent purchasing execution across staff experience levels. For ecommerce operations, accurate inventory feeds reduce customer dissatisfaction, refunds, and order cancellations associated with stock discrepancies.
Access to Pubnet and Industry Onboarding
Participation in Pubnet’s electronic ordering network typically requires bookstores to maintain approved terms accounts with suppliers. Emersoft works in coordination with MVB, which administers Pubnet services, to assist bookstores with account setup and qualification. The onboarding process includes a one-time setup fee of $75, which is waived for members of the American Booksellers Association, and does not include recurring subscription charges for Pubnet access.
Community Engagement and Ongoing Development
The integration reflects Emersoft’s broader strategy to support independent bookstores through ongoing platform development and educational initiatives. The company hosts regular webinars and community sessions that bring booksellers together to exchange operational insights, explore new features, and stay informed about industry trends.
Additional information regarding the Pubnet integration and Emersoft’s bookstore technology offerings is available through the company’s official channels.
About Emersoft
Emersoft develops unified commerce technology that enables independent retailers to manage both online and physical operations within a single platform. Its Books Shopify App is designed specifically for bookstores seeking integrated ecommerce, point-of-sale, inventory, and ordering capabilities.
About Pubnet
Pubnet provides standardized electronic ordering infrastructure connecting bookstores with hundreds of publishers and distributors through EDI protocols. The service is administered by MVB and serves as an industry-wide backbone for professional book trade transactions.