Strong publishing helps indies to good Christmas

10.01.14 | Lisa Campbell - The Bookseller

A strong autumn publishing list led most independent booksellers to see an increase in sales over the Christmas period, according to The Bookseller’s latest annual Christmas trading survey.

Of the 47 indies who responded, nearly 46% reported a sales lift over the festive period, with one indie claiming to be up by as much as 35%. However, many were hit by heavy rain and storms in the last week before 25th December and 26% of indies saw like-for-like decreases in the period – one at a level of 40%.
An increase in online shopping was reported as one of the major challenges to Christmas trade. Books@Hoddeston owner Steve Poulter said: “As soon as the weather is too wet, too cold or too hot, people now refuse to go outside and sit down in the warm at their computer because it is much more convenient and involves no effort.”

Elsewhere sales of physical books in bricks and mortar shops seemed to hold up too. Blackwell’s reported a good Christmas and achieved like-for-like sales increases of 4.4%. Its c.e.o David Prescott said: “We had a fantastic last two weeks and the two days before Christmas really helped.” 
Foyles, meanwhile, saw an Christmas sales increase of 0.4% like-for-like in the month of December. John Smith’s saw an overall sales increase of 35.7% like-for-like in the month and The Works reported overall sales were up by 10% like-for-like. After being hit badly by the severe weather, Waterstones was slightly down in sales, although some shops were up. WH Smith is yet to release its Christmas trading update.

Many indies are optimistic about the 2014 year ahead, with many expecting a slow-down in e-books and e-reader sales and a resurgence in independent shopping. However, many indies are also pessimistic about 2014, with some predicting closure as business rates rise again by 2.0%.  Tony Higginson, owner of Formby Books near Liverpool, said: “The publishing industry is killing itself by allowing supermarkets the margin to sell Christmas bestsellers for £5.”

Other highlights of the Independent Christmas Trading Survey include 77% of bookshops saying they are now experiencing a backlash towards Amazon, and details of which titles were strong sellers for the indie sector over the festive period.