Canadians celebrate independent bookstores

Canadians are big fans of independent bookstores and so are we. Who doesn’t love a planned or impromptu visit to a local bookstore to browse the bookshelves, flip the pages of books you didn’t even know you wanted to read, or get into deep conversations with a bookseller about an author or subject you love? This Saturday, April 29, is Canadian Independent Bookstore Day (CIBD), also known as the perfect excuse to show love to an indie bookstore near you!

Here are some ways in which you can participate:

• Buy books! Purchase books and other items in person, online, or by phone to show your support and to enter the Canadian Independent Booksellers Association’s annual Contest for Book Lovers.

• Check out bookstore activities. Local shops across Canada are planning celebratory activities for the big day including customer giveaways, discounts, exclusive products, author events, and more. Visit the website and social channels of a shop near you for details.

• Spread the word. The day is an opportunity to raise awareness about everything that indies have to offer. Follow CIBA on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to share their info about the campaign.

While we wait for that day to arrive and in anticipation of the release of our next publication, the Canadian Book Consumer Study 2022, get acquainted with some of the things we learned about Canadians and independent bookstores in the infographic below. (Scroll down for the text version of these stats.)

Quick data insights on: Canadians & Independent Bookstores in 2022

Canadians visited bookstores in person

• 89% visited a bookstore in person at least once.

• 74% visited a bookstore in person 1-4 times.

Canadians visited bookstores online

• 67% visited a bookstore online at least once.

• 50% visited a bookstore online 1-4 times.

Canadians visited bookstores mainly to

• browse books to pass time (17%);

• browse (for) book deals/sales (16%); and

• browse displays and shelves for books to buy (16%).

Canadians bought books in person

• 88% bought a book in a shop or other outlet.

Canadians participate in loyalty programs

• 13% were part of an independent bookstore's loyalty program.

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