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Indie bookshops making a comeback

16.04.07

The Guardian reckons that independent bookshops are making a comeback. "If not exactly thriving, the independent book store is not in as dire straits as many fear. According to the Booksellers Association, the number of independents has fallen from 1,700 in 2000 to 1,400 today. But that figure appears to have stabilised. There are an increasing number of small publishers targeting the independents."

Adam Powell one half of indie bookseller Crockatt & Powell used to work at Waterstones in Islington, north London, and tells the newspaper that opportunities have been created for smaller shops by the big chains placing an emphasis on big-name authors, celebrity memoirs and best sellers. "There is a phrase they use - customers are consuming media," he says. "No, they are listening to music and reading books. They don't get it. They don't get their customer and that's why they are splashing around."

Guardian

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