The Decline of Booksellers - sad, sad times.

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Sad, Sad Times for Booksellers

Independent bookshop numbers have fallen by more than a quarter since 2006 according to official figures released by the Booksellers Association, which is calling for immediate action to reverse the "stark" decline.

The trade body says that it had 1,483 independent bookseller members in June 2006, with the number falling by 26% to 1,099 by June 2011. There has also been a "marked drop-off" in the number of bookshops opening, with just 23 new stores joining the Booksellers Association so far this year, compared with 50 in 2010.

Calling for rate relief for businesses with a cultural and education value, and for a coalition of publishers, government and consumers to be formed to protect the interests of independent bookshops, Booksellers Association chief executive Tim Godfray said there was "plenty that can be done but it needs to be done now if we are to maintain bookshops on our high streets and protect the significant impact they have on the wellbeing of local society the UK".

Jane Streeter, who runs The Bookcase in Lowdham, Nottinghamshire and is president of the BA, agreed, saying the decline in numbers was "not inevitable" but that "if we don't make a real and concerted effort now, then the economics for high-street booksellers simply won't add up".

"Booksellers are already at the heart of their communities, key parts of their local high streets, and are undertaking positive and innovative work across the country to make their shops the best places to browse and discover new books," she said, calling for "a real commitment from publishers and government to offer opportunities to booksellers so we can keep our place on the high street, and keep our high streets diverse and thriving".

An August survey of the BA's membership found that the top issues affecting booksellers were increasing rates (29% said they were the most pressing issue) and expensive parking in town centres (28%).

"This is not just an issue for our members; it's also about preserving the retail diversity of our town centres. We know that maintaining bookshops on our high street is vital to literacy, the future economic prosperity of UK plc and the cultural health of our nation," said Godfray. "What is clear from surveying our members is the considerable influence local and national government and our competition authorities have on the high street retailer … We will be making representations in the next few months to the appropriate bodies, and are also providing our members with posters for shop windows."

"I know first-hand the important cultural and social role that many bookshops play in local communities so it's critical that we work hard to acknowledge and protect their place on our high street," Streeter added

Alison Flood

guardian.co.uk

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