The Resurgence of Brick-and-Mortar Bookstores in 2025

Mark Twain once said reports about his death were an exaggeration. The same can be said for bookstores as the calendar turns to 2025.

Brick-and-mortar shops have been making a comeback after weathering e-books, online commerce, and the pandemic.
Book clubs and other book-themed events are gaining popularity.

It was a very different picture five years ago, when the pandemic threatened additional harm to a bookstore industry that was reeling from the steady rise of e-books and online shopping.

As restrictions were lifted, many book shoppers flocked to their local bookstores to reconnect with their local neighborhoods and communities.

Some wanted a more personalized experience than clicking and scrolling on websites or smartphones — the opportunity to browse shelves, discover titles and engage with knowledgeable staff.8 Others were looking to unplug from too much screen time.

With plenty of open retail space and attractive leasing terms available, new bookstore entrepreneurs have been happy to oblige.
The American Booksellers Association, a group representing independent shops, reported an 11% year-over-year increase in membership in early 2024, with 2,433 bookstore companies in 2,844 store locations.

Many of the independent bookstores that have popped up since the pandemic are driven by identity. Some shops focus on a specific genre of books, such as romance, horror, or mystery novels. Other stores are themed around social issues, such as diversity or opposing book bans.

Source: Empower

https://www.empower.com/the-currency/play/bookstores-new-page-news

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