The harsh overall economic situation is having an impact on the German book market, with turnover across the central sales channels (retail bookstores, e-commerce including Amazon, railroad station bookstores, department stores, electronic goods stores, and drugstores) falling by 2.9% in 2025 compared to 2024, according to findings of the industry monitor BUCH report, which were released by Börsenverein des Deutschen Buchhandels (the German book trade association).
In a weak year for the retail sector as a whole, turnover of books in 2025 was not able to match the positive results of the two previous years (up 1.8% in 2024 and up 2.8% in 2023). However, turnover is still 1.6% higher than in 2022. Business in local bookstores last year was 3% compared to the previous year, but also reflected a gain compared to 2022 (plus 1%).
Despite declining overall turnover, fiction grew by 1.3% compared to 2024 (and by 14.9% compared to 2022). Books for children and young adults, however, closed the year with a drop in turnover of 2.5% and nonfiction of 4.7%.
"The book market is currently in the same situation as the entire retail sector: in view of the ongoing adverse consumer climate, the assessment for 2025 is somewhat mixed," said Sebastian Guggolz, chairman of the Börsenverein. "High cost pressure and an immense amount of bureaucracy pose additional hurdles for retailers, publishing houses and book logistics companies. The continuing enthusiasm for books among young people gives cause for hope: interest in new adult titles in particular, and therefore turnover in fiction, continues to grow. This means that the book industry is heading into the new year faced with many challenges, but also with optimism and confidence."
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| Jessica Sänger | |
Jessica Sänger, director for European and international affairs at Börsenverein des Deutschen Buchhandels, has been elected chair of the International Publishers Association Freedom to Publish Committee, Publishing Perspectives reported. Sänger succeeds Norwegian publisher Kristenn Einarsson, who has led the committee for eight years.
Sänger has been on the IPA's Freedom to Publish Committee for eight years and previously chaired the IPA's Copyright Committee. The IPA's Freedom to Publish Committee monitors freedom to publish issues around the world and administers the Prix Voltaire, the IPA's freedom to publish prize, and the newly created IPA Freedom of Expression Defenders Award.
Sänger said, "Kristenn led the IPA's freedom to publish committee with courage and integrity and I will endeavor to bring those same qualities as chair. The freedom to publish challenges across many IPA members are increasing, but the Prix Voltaire shows us every year that there are brave publishers out there, fighting for the freedom of expression of their authors."
Einarsson said, "It has been an honour to chair this vital committee in IPA's work and a pleasure to have worked with so many committed colleagues from other countries. I know the Committee is in good hands as we face mounting threats to the freedom to publish."
In a related move, Jacob Søndergaard, CEO of Gutkind Publishers, Denmark, has joined the Freedom to Publish Committee.
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In its latest "Shop Talk" series, Quill & Quire interviewed Dana Corbett and Catherine Quaglia, owners of Boundless Books in Ladysmith, B.C., Canada. Among the highlights from the q&a:
What has been most surprising or unexpected about opening a bookstore or about your first few months in business?
With both of us having come from bookselling and managing backgrounds, we are very grateful for the experience and knowledge we brought to being owners. We recognize that without those experiences, opening a bookstore would have been very different, with a much steeper learning curve. That said, we are always learning and adjusting to the interests of our community.