Book Stores in the US: Market Size, Businesses & Forecast 2026

The US book stores industry encompasses establishments primarily engaged in retailing new books, including trade books, textbooks, religious books, and other specialized publications. The industry has been facing structural challenges with declining physical sales partially offset by the growth of online retailers and speciality segments, generating approximately $16.1 billion in revenue in 2023 according to the latest available census data.

Industry snapshot

Key public data points

Historical & forecast

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What does the Book Stores in the US industry cover?

The book stores industry includes retailers that sell new books to the final consumer, covering both general book stores and specialized retailers focusing on specific genres or formats. This sector excludes online retailers like Amazon and sellers of used books, which are classified separately in official industry classifications.

• •Includes brick-and-mortar retailers of new books, textbooks, religious books, and other specialized publications
• •Excludes online book retailers and used book stores which have different NAICS codes
• •The industry generates revenue through direct sales to consumers, typically at retail prices

Who operates in the industry and how is it structured?

The book store industry consists of a mix of large national chains, regional players, and independent bookstores. While major chains dominate a significant portion of the market, independent bookstores continue to operate in specialized segments or local markets, often differentiating through curated selections and community engagement.

• •Industry comprises approximately 6,551 establishments (2022 Census)
• •Total employment in the sector is around 87,000 workers (2022 Census)
• •Average sales per establishment was approximately $2.5 million in 2022

What drives demand in the industry?

Demand for physical books is influenced by consumer reading habits, educational requirements, and the resurgence of independent bookstores as community hubs. While digital alternatives compete for leisure reading, physical books maintain strong demand in educational markets and among consumers who prefer tangible products.

• •Educational institutions drive steady demand for textbooks and academic materials
• •Independent bookstores have seen modest growth since 2020 with 2023 seeing a 4% increase in independent bookstore openings according to the American Booksellers Association
• •Consumer preference for physical books remains strong among certain demographics despite digital alternatives

Who are the notable companies in the industry?

The competitive landscape features several major players alongside numerous independent retailers. Large chains benefit from economies of scale and extensive inventories, while independents compete through specialized selections and personalized customer service.

• •Barnes & Noble (Barnes & Noble, Inc.) - The largest physical book retailer in the US
• •Books-A-Million (Books-A-Million, Inc.) - A major regional bookstore chain with approximately 200 locations
• •IndieBound - A marketing cooperative of independent bookstores across the US
• •Powell's Books - A large independent bookstore based in Portland, Oregon with multiple locations

What are the recent trends and outlook?

The industry has experienced ongoing challenges with declining foot traffic in physical stores, partly offset by the growth of specialized segments and events. Independent bookstores have experienced a resurgence in recent years, while the overall industry revenue has remained relatively stable despite the expansion of digital alternatives.

• •Independent bookstore sales increased by approximately 7% in 2023 according to the American Booksellers Association
• •The industry has seen a shift toward experience-based retail with author events and book clubs driving customer engagement
• •Bookstore cafes and combination retail spaces have become more common to enhance the customer experience

How is the industry regulated?

Book stores are subject to standard retail regulations including sales tax collection, employment laws, and business licensing requirements. The industry also faces compliance requirements related to content labeling and restrictions for certain materials in specific jurisdictions.

• •Subject to state and local sales tax collection requirements
• •Must comply with labor laws including minimum wage and overtime regulations
• •Certain materials may face age restrictions or content labeling requirements depending on jurisdiction

Government, statistical and trade sources used for this Claight analysis.

• U.S. Census Bureau, 2022 Economic Census ·
• U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 Annual Retail Trade Survey ·
• American Booksellers Association, 2023 Independent Store Sales Report ·
• Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics 2022