The number of independent bookshops in the U.K. and Ireland has risen from 1,025 to 1,086 since 2025, reaching its highest level since 2012, according to Booksellers Association data released during Independent Bookshop Week. The Bookseller reported that the figures "mark a significant recovery from the sector's low point of 867 bookshops in 2016."
Specialist bookshops account for 287, or 26%, of all bookshops. Sci-fi and fantasy shops increased by six stores, year on year, while romance bookshops grew by five. There are now 52 genre specialists, making them the third-largest category behind children's (55) and Christian bookshops (57).
Bookshops incorporating cafés or bars also continued to expand, with 77 stores now operating in the category, the Bookseller noted, adding that regionally, the southwest recorded the highest number of net openings, with 15 new bookshops, ahead of London with eight.
Emma Bradshaw, BA's head of marketing and communications, said: "As we celebrated 20 years of Independent Bookshop Week, the 2026 campaign once again highlighted the remarkable role independent bookshops play as cultural spaces, creative hubs and places for communities to connect."
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This year's Frankfurt Book Fair (October 7-11) will offer children's books greater visibility in a dedicated space as part of a restructuring of the fair's halls. Under the plan, Hall 4.0 will become the central hub for children's books. All relevant publishers from the DACH---Deutschland (Germany), Austria, and Confoederatio Helvetica (Switzerland)--region will exhibit there together. "What was previously spread across a larger hall is now being brought together: with clear visibility for trade visitors and members of the public," organizers said.
A central feature of the new space is the Imagination Stage, which will offer trade programs and public events. Hall 4.0 brings together children's and young adult media alongside comics, manga, fantasy, and audio. Organizers also cited features like wide aisles, a café, and ample seating for discussions and meetings.
"Children's and young adult books have always been strongly represented at the Frankfurter Buchmesse--now they will also be visible at a glance. In Hall 4.0, publishers, retailers and the public will find everything in one place. This changes the way we experience this sector," said Birgit Fricke, key account manager sales.
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Bookseller wedding: The staff at Griffin Books in Penarth, Wales, "brought out the full Bookseller Guard of Honour to send our lovely Lucy off to get married! Good luck Lucy and Liam--we can't wait to celebrate with you tonight!
"P.S. Did you notice the on-brand book choices from each of the team? P.P.S. I'm resisting the urge to take a tripod to the wedding to get more content of the gorgeous bride (and groom)."