The book market and bookstores - France

A bookshop defines any business whose main activity is the sale of books. This can be studied in part using APE code 47.61Z "Retail sale of books in specialized stores", but not only, since it also includes the activities of certain superstores specialized in the distribution of cultural products. Alongside bookshops, non-specialized superstores are also involved in book sales in France. On a global scale, book sales are expected to grow by 1.8% between 2024 and 2030. The French market is also growing, but at a slightly slower rate (1%). This is due to the changing entertainment and leisure habits of the French, as well as changes in market structure with the entry of new players and new offer formats. Nevertheless, 86% of French people will be readers in 2023, compared with 81% in 2021. In the same context, the proportion of those who say they don't read at all is down 5 points on 2021. In terms of preferences, practical and lifestyle books are read by all age groups, coming in first place for those under 65. Books on history are the most popular choice for those aged 65 and over. The main customer countries for French book exports are, logically, partially French-speaking countries: first and foremost Belgium, followed by Switzerland; conversely, the main supplier countries are Spain and Italy, followed by the UK. In a constantly evolving market, traditional bookstores are forced to reinvent themselves and adapt their value proposition to better meet consumer expectations, while avoiding losing further ground to e-commerce players. However, despite being the second most important physical distribution channel for books, after specialized superstores, they remain the preferred place of purchase for the French.