Booksellers around the world have been enduring tough times in recent years. But it seems that the tide is finally turning—not only in the UK, but throughout Europe. A round-up of major continental chains this summer shows an increasingly upbeat mood in the face of growing consumer demand for print books, which is also reflected in much improved sales figures by a growing number of companies.

After a long period of (in some cases massive) restructuring, cost-cutting and downsizing, many chains are finally refocusing their efforts on the two strengths that distinguish them from the online c...