IN TOUGH TIMES, CANADIANS TURN TO BOOKS AS THE BEST BANG FOR HOLIDAY BUCKS

Canadian Book Sales Increase 5% while US and UK Report Flat or Negative Growth

TORONTO � In the four weeks ending November 23, 2008, book sales in Canada are 4.9% higher in units and 2% higher in dollars in 2008 than they were in 2007.

With Nielsen BookScan UK reporting that UK book sales remain down year-over-year for a fifth consecutive week as of late November and Nielsen and comScore�s prediction of flat or negative growth in U.S. for the holiday season, Canada might be the only English book market still in positive territory.

�There are any number of factors behind this,� says Michael Tamblyn, CEO of BookNet Canada. �The incredible performance of Stephenie Meyer�s Twilight series, a perception of lower prices compared to last year, or just the entertainment and escape that books can bring during times of uncertainty. Books definitely represent a strong value-for-money entertainment purchase and cost-conscious Canadian consumers seem to be embracing that.�

All figures for this report have been drawn from BookNet Canada�s national book sales tracking system, BNC SalesData, using the year-over-year sales from a fixed panel of 665 retail locations. BNC SalesData tracks approximately 75% of the Canadian book market with data from over 1,000 retail sources, including chains, independents, online, college/university stores, and non-traditional bookstores, such as specialty and discount stores.

For more market analysis and information on BookNet Canada and BNC SalesData, please visit BookNet Canada's website at www.booknetcanada.ca