YAY OR NAY: Bookstores vs Online

We knew that the book industry was rapidly changing with the closure of high street book chain Borders. And now, recent reports have shown that more and more independent bookstores are closing across the UK.

According to the Guardian, independent bookstores are closing at a rate of one or two per week, and have been since last year. The article states:

With independents blaming increased competition from the internet, supermarkets, a declining British high street and the credit crunch for their troubles, figures from the Booksellers Association show that 102 independent stores closed in 2009, leaving just 1,289 left in the UK - a decline of 27% since 1999. Last year also saw the 45-store book chain Borders fall into administration, while like-for-like sales at Waterstone's were down by 8.5% in the crucial Christmas trading period.

"The current economic climate is undeniably tough and the book retail sector is suffering across the board," said the Booksellers Association's head of membership services Meryl Halls. She called on readers to support independents, saying that those shops which "are fighting so hard to survive continue to deliver an outstanding service - knowing the books they recommend and sell, knowing their customers, focusing on things that the deep price cutters can't offer and running fantastic and value-adding events".

Read the full story here.

Understandably, the internet is the biggest factor here, with a wider choice in titles and, quite often, lower prices. It's no wonder that many are deciding to  shop online rather than in the Bookstores (on websites such as Amazon, and Play - who offer free delivery.) As easy shopping online may be, independent bookstores (As well as the main high street book retailers) are suffering.

What about you? Do you prefer going to stores, or do you shop online for your books? (And why?) Leave a comment and let us know!