Sales of German books fell by 2.1%
The value of book sales in Germany dropped 2.1% in 2022, according to the country’s publishers’ and booksellers’ association Börsenverein des Deutschen Buchhandels (BDG).
As a result, 3% fewer books were sold. Among the central distribution channels for the German market are bookshops, Amazon and other online retailers, department stores and electronic outlets.
According to BDG, sales in physical bookshops have not reached pre-pandemic levels, but have rebounded. Retail sales increased 4.8% year over year.
According to BDG CEO Karin Schmidt-Friderichs, 2022 was a challenging year for the book market. Schmidt-Friderichs said that bookstores and publishers have handled the Coronavirus pandemic with great commitment, innovation, and customer proximity. ‘However, this time has been a major economic challenge for companies. The industry is now facing new hurdles due to procurement bottlenecks, rising production and energy costs, and a historic low in consumption.