Traditional Bookstores

Chinese readers, many of whom had switched to e-reading devices and online bookstores, are now flocking back to traditional bookstores which are offering a range of new products, Chinadaily reported on February 18.

The Bookdao New Publishing Institute, a consultancy to the country’s publishing and book industry, surveyed 62 chains and found that some 65 percent plan to open more than five new stores this year and 18 percent of them will open over 100.

There were 225,000 bookstores and sales outlets in the country by the end of last year, up by 4.3 percent over 2017. Total sales of publications in the domestic retail sector reached 158 billion yuan ($23.3 billion), a year-on-year growth of 11.3 percent, the report said.

Dan Jie, who founded the popular Yanjiyou bookstore chain in 2013, was quoted as saying all his stores attach great importance to an elegant atmosphere and unique outlook. They also include coffee shops, art galleries and cultural products.

Some bookstores like Sisyphe also use big data technology to ensure the books in each store match the interests of consumers in a specific business district.

Industry insiders said the revitalization of bookstores is largely due to favorable policies that have been unveiled in recent years. The upgrading of cultural consumption has also helped the bookstore industry as consumers are now demanding greater quality content and improved lifestyles.