The German book industry "is holding its own in an overall difficult economic climate," according to figures released by the Börsenverein des Deutschen Buchhandels (the German book trade association). Book sales in Germany rose by 2.8% in 2023 compared to the previous year, and the book market had a 1.2% sales increase in the first half of 2024.
The industry generated total sales of €9.71 billion (about $10.5 billion) compared to €9.44 billion (about $10.2 billion) in 2022. Physical bookstore sales rose 2.6% over the previous year to €4.05 billion (about $4.4 billion), giving the retail book trade (excluding e-commerce) a 41.8% share of total industry sales. The online book trade, about half of which is attributable to Internet sales from physical bookstores, rose by 5.5%, to €2.40 billion (about $2.6 billion), in 2023 after a decline in 2022. Online sales accounted for 24.8% of the overall market.
About 25 million people purchased books in 2023, which is down 2.8% from the previous year, but there is a positive trend among the young target group. The number of buyers among 10- to 15-year-olds increased by 3.9% from 2022 to 2023, by 2.6% from 2021 to 2022 and by 13.1% from 2020 to 2021. Spending by and for readers up to the age of 19 has risen by 32% within five years, by 65% among 13- to 15-year-olds and by 77% among 16- to 19-year-olds.
For the first six months of 2024, German central sales channels posted a 1.2% increase in turnover compared to the same period in 2023, though this number reflects the fact that sales are down 1.6% while prices paid by buyers jumped 2.8%.
Peter Kraus vom Cleff, managing director of the Börsenverein, commented: "Despite the overall positive outcome, the general economic situation is still putting book retailers, publishing houses and industry logistics under pressure. The book trade, much like the entire retail trade, is experiencing a weakening consumer climate. Sales are falling overall and the number of consumers is continuing to decrease. Fewer people are coming into the cities to shop and consequently the footfall in stores is lower than in in the past. There is also noticeable caution in the production of new titles, with publishing houses planning their programme more conservatively due to ongoing crises."
Karin Schmidt-Friderichs, chairwoman of the Börsenverein, added: "Overall, the book market is doing well despite difficult economic times. Books are still relevant and in demand--as a compass in a complex world, a basis for forming one's own opinion and as a creative pastime. While the older target group used to be considered a safe bet for the book market, young readers are currently boosting the book industry."
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| Meryl Halls | |
U.K. booksellers have called on the new Labour government to review "unfair" rates that "cripple small businesses," the Bookseller reported.
Meryl Halls, managing director of the Booksellers Association, said the BA was looking forward to working with the new Labour government "on a range of improvements for high streets and the business landscape promised in its manifesto." She added that she hoped to work with the other book trade bodies "in engaging with Labour ministers and officials to continue conversations on the issues of particular importance to books and culture, such as copyright and AI.... More than anything, we look forward to working in a functioning political system after a long period of uncertainty and distraction."
Waterstones COO Kate Skipper said: "We look to the new government to prioritize further reform to the deeply flawed business rates system to allow town and city centers to thrive."
Sam Taylor, co-founder of Max Minerva's bookshop in Bristol, told the Bookseller: "I hope we see investment in public and school libraries, more focus on arts and creativity in schools, and a recognition of the importance of the creative industries to our economy.... As for bookselling, I'd like to see business rates to be reviewed; they cripple small businesses and contribute to the hollowing out of high streets--how independent bookshops pay more per square foot than Amazon warehouses is baffling."
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| Michael Gordon-Smith with his successor, Patrizia Di Biase-Dyson | |
Australian Publishers Association CEO Michael Gordon-Smith has retired after 11 years in the role and a career in the creative industries spanning more than 40 years. The board confirmed that current APA chief of staff Patrizia Di Biase-Dyson has been promoted to the role of CEO. The APA noted that Di Biase-Dyson "is an experienced book industry professional with a successful track record in independent publishing, and a great champion of access initiatives like the Open Book Internship program."
APA President Julie Burland, CEO of Penguin Random House Australia and New Zealand, said: "Our sincere congratulations to Michael on all that he has achieved for the industry over the last decade. His continuous dedication and leadership has ensured that the Association is well-placed to tackle the industry changes ahead. With strong partnerships established, the APA can collaborate to ensure a more diverse, accessible and sustainable industry.'
Di Biase-Dyson commented: "My profound thanks to Michael and the board for their support of me and the brilliant team. Together we are clear in our ambition--highlight the exceptional value of educational publishers to teachers and learners, impress the urgent societal need to attract new readers, tackle the copyright risks Generative AI poses, and increase supply chain efficiency so that books can compete in the ever-evolving market. There's a lot to be done, but we are continuing with this work from a position of real strength." --Robert Gray