Independent bookshops on the rise for the second year running

The numbers defy larger trends, as UK retailers faced their worst Christmas in 10 years

In 2018 the number of independent bookshops rose by 15 to 883, according to the Booksellers Association (Getty)

The number of independent bookshops on UK high streets has grown for the second year running.

Data released by the Booksellers Association (BA) has shown that in 2018 the number rose by 15 to 883, despite the dominance of online retailers.

There were 1,894 independent bookshops across the UK in 1995, but that number dropped to a low of just 867 in 2016.

However, 2017 suggested the decline may have been stymied, as the number increased by one shop.

“It is extremely encouraging to see independent bookshops succeeding in 2018, demonstrating the creativity and entrepreneurship of booksellers in the face of difficult challenges,” said Meryl Halls, managing director of the BA.

“We are delighted for, and proud of, our incredibly hard-working booksellers. We do, though, also need to consider these figures in a wider context.”

The numbers defy larger trends, as chain bookshops continue to struggle on UK high streets. While UK retailers faced their worst Christmas in 10 years, the BA said 73 per cent of their outlets reported a rise in Christmas sales.

However, the BA has urged the government to keep business rates low in order for this growth to continue.

It said in a statement: “Bookshops continue to experience unequal business rates, and struggle alongside wider retail with unfair competition from online retailers, as well as post-Brexit uncertainty.

“In light of this, we ask the government to take the steps needed to protect the future of bookshops and their high streets, considering the concerns of retailers and booksellers so they can both flourish.”

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