Independent bookstores, long thought to be in decline, are experiencing a remarkable resurgence across the United States. According to the American Booksellers Association (ABA), membership has grown by over 500 in the past year, totaling 3,417 stores at 3,783 locations. This marks the highest level of membership since the late 1990s, nearly tripling from a decade ago.
A Diverse Array of New Bookstores
The new wave of independent bookstores includes a variety of formats and specialties. From general interest shops like Hey Books! in San Diego to mobile stores such as the Wandering Quills Bookshop in Westerville, Ohio, and pop-up stores like Banyan Books in St. Petersburg, Florida, the landscape is diverse. Many of these new stores are tapping into the current boom in romance and fantasy genres, with shops like the Spicy Librarian in Denver and Flutter Romance Bookstore in Austin, Texas, offering unique selections.
Bookselling as a Calling
For many, opening a bookstore is more than just a business venture; it’s a calling. Allison Hill, CEO of the ABA, notes that independent bookselling attracts idealists—young people with a mission, retirees seeking a new chapter, and mid-career professionals looking for fulfillment. Kelley Hartnett, a marketing consultant from Wentzville, Missouri, is one such individual. She opened Double Dog Bookshop in 2025 as a mobile store and has since expanded to a storefront. Hartnett emphasizes the importance of community, stating, “People are craving connection, especially in-person connection.”
Challenges and Competition
Despite the growth, the independent bookstore market remains “precarious,” according to Hill. Rising costs and budget cuts in schools and libraries pose challenges. Additionally, Barnes & Noble, once a major competitor, is expanding again under CEO James Daunt, adding over 100 stores in the past two years. While some independent owners express concern, others, like the owners of The Book Loft Oak Park in Chicago, hope that the presence of a nearby Barnes & Noble will ultimately complement their business.
Daunt, who also founded Daunt Books in London, insists that his expansion is not intended to harm independent sellers. “I never thought of the market as finite,” he says, highlighting the potential for coexistence between large chains and independent stores.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
