The Bookseller.com

12th October 2008

Late rush provides indie boost

02.01.08 Brian Semple

A late sales rush means independent bookshops enjoyed greater Christmas sales than last year, with some stores reporting sales increases of up to 20%. Data gathered by The Bookseller shows that most UK indies performed significantly better than in 2006, despite a slow start to the festive period.

Aardvark Books in Brampton Bryan benefited from sales increases of 20% on last year. "Christmas was a much bigger deal than usual here," said owner Sheridan Swinson. Vivian Archer, manager of the Newham Bookshop, said the increase in sales in the festive build-up was "absolutely stunning". "We didn't discount anything and people were buying titles that you could get much cheaper elsewhere. Sales were steady--we were up 13% in November, and 10% in December. Overall it was fantastic."

Alison's Bookshop in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire saw sales up 17% on last year. "We were lucky, because the town is still recovering from floods," said owner Ian Nicholson. "Sales were boosted by Michael Palin, who did a signing in aid of flood relief in early December."

Most indies endured a slow beginning to the festive period, with many reporting a quiet start to December. "Trade lagged for us in early December, but got better very late on" said Phillip Walker, chairman of Walkers Bookshops. "The feeling was that we started very well in late November, but then it began to flag before rallying at the end."

There were positive appraisals of the performances of wholesalers Bertrams and Gardners, with Margaret Kay of Red Lion Books in Colchester stating "they kept up very well with all we needed". But Colin Telford of Hayling Island Bookshop in Hampshire said there was "big problems" with deliveries. "I don't know if the local logistics people were at fault, but they seemed to badly struggle this year. The whole chain of supply seemed to be in turmoil".

Most independent bookshops did not attempt to compete on discounting. "The high street and internet have suicidal discounts" said Tim Smyth at Queen's Bookshop in Belfast. "We wouldn't even try and compete--if we were relying on selling the Jeremy Clarksons or Russell Brands we'd be in serious trouble".

Retail Todays Picks Independents Christmas Brian Semple

Comments on this article