Three out of four Canadian indie booksellers view their business as healthy, with about six in 10 optimistic about the overall health of the Canadian publishing industry, according to a new report from BookNet Canada.

What’s in Store: The State of Independent Bookselling in Canada 2018 establishes an initial benchmark to look at the health and challenges of indie book retail across the country. The report surveys operational practices, staffing, and inventory, among other metrics. Sixty-three bookstore brands operating 80 store locations – the majority of which identity as “indie general interest” (52 per cent) – responded to the survey.

The largest percentage of revenue for indie retailers in 2018 (37 per cent) came from the sales of new frontlist print books, which saw an increase from 2017.

Among the report’s highlights:

• The majority of stores surveyed have been in operation for 15 or more years (68 per cent)
• Nine in 10 stores currently have wide aisles for a wheelchair or stroller (93 per cent); two thirds offer a unisex/gender-neutral washroom (67 per cent)
• Of all permanent, contract, and seasonal staff at Canadian independent bookstores in 2018, 72 per cent were permanent and 24 per cent were seasonal
• Slightly more than half of a bookstore’s expenses go towards purchasing inventory (54 per cent), with 37 per cent spent on operations
• Booksellers report a high ROI for in-store events such as launches and author visits

Although the mood of the survey is relatively positive, booksellers believe there is room for improvement when it comes to their relationships with the government and publishers.

One bookseller said, “In recent years we’ve certainly felt that both Canadian and international publishers are tightening their belts, particularly in terms of events and other promotions, though they are working hard to maximize the effectiveness of co-op programs etc., which is good for all parties concerned. I do feel that all aspects of the industry are dealing with a challenging retail landscape – online, one dominant brick-and-mortar retailer, etc.”

The free report can be read at booknetcanada.ca/whats-in-store.