'Books Are My Bag' 2015 Sales Up 30% in U.K.

Shelf Awareness

Sales were up by an average of 30% in bookshops that showed gains during this year's Books Are My Bag celebration, making 2015 the "most successful" year ever for the campaign, according to the Booksellers Association, which surveyed members taking part in the October 8-10 campaign. The Bookseller reported that the "results suggest the U.K. and Ireland event to highlight bookshops on the high street is further penetrating the public's conscious, three years after it was founded."

"Bookshops have sparkled over the last couple of weeks, reminding shoppers that they offer experiences that can't be bought online," BA CEO Tim Godfray said. "From in store activities and exclusive giveaways to meeting authors and sharing recommendations, books lovers, authors and publishers across the country have joined forces to celebrate bookshops. The result is more sales and more people visiting bookshops, and we couldn't be more thrilled."

For the three-day period, 60% of booksellers reported foot traffic was up, with 63% saying sales were up. Sales were up by an average of 30% for those who saw an increase, while foot traffic was up 22.5%.