Online book buying overtakes in-store in the UK

In the UK, online book buying has overtaken in-store buying for the first time in 2014 according to Nielsen Book, reports the Bookseller. Data revealed at Nielsen Book’s annual conference BookInsights indicated that despite the increase in online spending, in-store spending gained share in the print market in the previous year, and remained ahead in the categories of children’s books, gift books and impulse purchases. Overall sales of print and ebooks reached £2.2bn (A$4.2bn) in 2014, up 4% from 2013. Children’s book spending performed strongly, increasing 15% with a 9% rise in print sales. Adult book print sales fell 4% but saw increases in the digital market. Digital titles accounted for 30% of units purchased in 2014. However data suggested that digital migration was limited, and showed signs of slowing in a number of genres, including romance. Nielsen Book’s UK consumer research director Steve Bohme said, ‘While digital helped grow a number of key market sectors, there was lower spending in 2014 than 2013 on genres such as crime, romance, historical fiction, annuals, cookery, health/fitness and travel.’

Category: International news