Book stores – a national treasure / Las librerías: un tesoro nacional. «More Brits buy print books», research from Mintel

Mintel Group (@mintelnews)
«A good read for book lovers: More Brits buy print books»

«The latest research from Mintel highlights the nation’s love of the physical book, as the number of Brits buying a print book increased from 51 % in 2018* to 56 % in 2019**.

»Overall, the top three reasons Brits are buying a book include:

»• familiarity with an author (43 %);

»• because it was displayed in a shop (26 %); and

»• a recommendation from a family/friend (25 %)

»One in ten (9 %) has bought a book because it won or was nominated for an award.

»While print book buying is on the rise, the percentage of people buying e-books (22 %) and audiobooks (8 %) remains static. According to Mintel research, the main reason people are not buying e-books is because they do not enjoy reading on devices (45 %). Overall, the number of Brits buying a book of any kind increased from 60 % in 2018 to 65 % in 2019. [...]

»Book stores – a national treasure

»Capturing a special place in the nation’s heart, according to Mintel research, more than three quarters (76 %) of print book buyers think it is important to support independent bookstores, while 73 % think it is important to support chain bookstores. Almost half (46 %) of print book buyers have bought from an independent bookstore in the last 12 months, rising to 68 % of 25-34 year olds. Some 56 % of print book buyers believe that independent bookstores are better for finding hidden gems than chains.

»But while Brits love their book stores, over six in ten (62 %) believe Amazon is the easiest way to buy a print book.

»“Overall, 2018 was a positive year for independent bookstores and our research shows that book buyers are especially attached to these retailers. Clearly they have many limitations that larger chains/companies do not have, such as reach and stock. However, the aspect independent shops have always been able to promote is offering something unique. The fact that so many young print book buyers have bought from an independent store is a very positive sign for the future of this market.

»“Book buyers do, however, feel it is important to support both independent and chain bookstores. Given the threat of online retailers, consumers appreciate the necessity of supporting all physical bookstores, including large chains that have the necessary economies of scale to better withstand the challenging marketplace.” Adds Rebecca McGrath, Mintel Senior Media Analyst.

»More digital readers/listeners are using a subscription

»There has been a significant increase in the proportion of digital book readers/listeners using subscriptions in the last year. The percentage of e-book readers who have read an e-book as part of a subscription, such as Amazon Prime, increased from 30 % in 2018 to 43 % in 2019. Meanwhile, the percentage of audiobook listeners who have listened to an audiobook as part of a subscription increased from 37 % in 2018 to 46 % in 2019. Male e-book readers are significantly more likely to read e-books as part of a subscription (51 %), as are people aged 25-34 (65 %)».

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