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UK, Ireland bookshop numbers grow for fifth consecutive year

Data from the UK Bookseller’s Association (BA) shows the number of independent bookshops in the UK and Ireland has grown for the fifth year in a row, reports the Bookseller.

The BA had 1027 shops as active members at the end of 2021, the highest number since 2013. It’s up from 967 shops in 2020, and 890 in 2019. A total of 54 new bookshops opened in 2021, while 31 closed.

‘After a challenging few years for the bookselling sector, it is reassuring to see the number of independent bookshops in BA membership grow for a fifth consecutive year,’ said BA managing director Meryl Halls. ‘The fact that the number of bookshops can increase in the face of lockdowns, restrictions and supply chain issues demonstrates the passion, innovation and determination of booksellers, who continue to bring books to readers even in the most challenging circumstances.’

Halls, however, warned the high street is still in an increasingly vulnerable position, ‘threatened by online giants and a disrupted supply chain’. ‘We will continue to lobby the government to support booksellers and provide proper assistance and guidance, and are working with publishers and distributors to ease the effect of supply chain issues on bookshops,’ said Halls.

 

Category: International news