Toronto, ON – October 5, 2021 — 83% of Canadian independent bookstores reported an increase in shipping costs in a new study from BookNet Canada.
Independent bookstores across Canada have had to change the ways they do business due to the pandemic. For 83% of independent bookstores across Canada, shipping costs increased between 2019 and 2020. One bookseller noted that, “[t]he true costs of online shopping and shipping will become apparent in 2021 and beyond. There was so much government support (both directly and via publishers) in 2020, that many of those costs were offset, and we will see less of that going forward. Profitability will be a real issue.”
In terms of government support, 79% of respondents qualified for COVID-19 governmental assistance programs in 2020, with 55% receiving Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) and 55% the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA).
The State of Independent Bookselling in Canada 2020, gathered data from independent bookstores across Canada. The insights compiled range from operating expenses and processes, to revenue and profit margins, returns, and more. It also delves into the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on bookselling: both what changes have been difficult and which ones independent bookstores intend to keep post-pandemic.
Changes such as those bookstores have had to make to their merchandise sales. Between 2019 and 2020, sales for puzzles increased for 80% of bookstores, followed by a growth in sales for new books for 67% of bookstores, and toys and games for 45%.
Though independent booksellers had to adapt quickly to the pandemic in 2020, they are confident in the future of their stores. More than seven out of ten booksellers rated their bookstore as healthy — able to withstand challenges, adapt, and thrive. Many booksellers spoke about wanting to create strong community hubs and fostering connections with their community. As one bookseller put it, “our vision is that our bookstore is a lively cultural hub in the community offering the opportunity to "connect" around books and ideas.”
The full report can be read for free at booknetcanada.ca/the-state-of-independent-bookselling-in-canada-2020.
More research on sales trends, format breakdowns, reading behaviour, and more can always be found at booknetcanada.ca/research.
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BookNet Canada is a non-profit organization that develops technology, standards, and education to serve the Canadian book industry. Founded in 2002 to address systemic challenges in the industry, BookNet Canada supports publishing companies, booksellers, wholesalers, distributors, sales agents, and libraries across the country.
We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Book Fund (CBF) for this project. / Nous reconnaissons l’appui financier du gouvernement du Canada par l’entremise du Fonds du livre du Canada (FLC) pour ce projet.
Media Contact:
Ainsley Sparkes
Marketing & Communications Manager
BookNet Canada
asparkes@booknetcanada.ca
(416) 362-5057 x 2310
