15 March 2010 [Monday] @ March 15, 2010 edit
Bookstore openings, closings, operating in the U.S.
  • I would like to find out how many bookstores open, close and on average, remain operating annually in the U.S. It would be helpful to include aggregates of all types but also, if possible, breakoutss of types; chains, independents, Christian, Other Religious, etc. It would be ideal to find a place to get current updates from time to time.


  • paf, Let's close this one. I'm OK with the answer all things considered. It was an excuse to see what GA could come up with for a subject I'm genuinely interested in and involved with. It confirmed some of my suspicions about the accessibilty of some data and allowed me to jump into the GA pool and play. I was pulled into it by reading (perhaps more than is healthy) other posted questions. Thanks again. More next time! Steve


  • Steve, Thanks for the fast response (especially with only a few hours left before your question expires!). I know what you mean about spending too much time reading Google Answers, but if that's your worst vice, then more power to ya. I'm reposting the link I provided earlier to make the answer 'official': ----- You can find the latest Census Bureau data on bookstores in the US here: http://www.census.gov/prod/ec02/ec0244i04.pdf offering details of the 10,898 bookstores in the country, generating $14.5 billion in sales. ----- Hope we'll see you back here at GA one day soon. paf search strategy -- used bookmarked links to the Census Bureau


  • Should I frame the question differently or am I to assume the price might not be high enough? It seemed appropriate looking at other questions but...I see no response and wanted to know if something more was needed from me.


  • Are you asking about new, used, combination bookstores, or all three?


  • Steve the Human, You're right about this being a data-driven industry, but most of the data seems to revolve around book sales, and most of that is held in proprietary databases, and only available at a cost of thousands of dollars. Before I repost the Census data I provided as a formal answer to your question, I just wanted to check and see if there's anything else I can do for you on this one. If so...let me know. paf


  • You can find the latest Census Bureau data on bookstores in the US here: http://www.census.gov/prod/ec02/ec0244i04.pdf offering details of the 10,898 bookstores in the country, generating $14.5 billion in sales. There are some further details offered, of course, but pinkfreud's earlier comment is right on the mark -- it may be quite difficult to come up with data on opening, closings, specific sub-categories, etc. Look over the Census report, and then please let us know how you think we should proceed on your question. Thanks, pafalafa-ga


  • I am quite interested in bookstores. In fact, I spent several years working in one. Back when you first posted this, I spent a couple of hours on your question, without fruition (and, of course, without compensation). It might help if you would break this into components, and post each part as a separate question: How many bookstores open each year in the US? How many bookstores close each year in the US? How many bookstores are in operation in the US? Where can I get updates of these figures? Breaking this data out by types of bookstores may be a deal-breaker. Finding any figures at all is difficult; Finding additional detail may be next to impossible. Sometimes questions remain unanswered because the difficulty (or perceived difficulty) of the research is not counterbalanced by an ample enough fee. I quit after about two hours of searching. If the fee were higher, Researchers may be willing to risk investing more time in the quest.


  • Since many incorporate used books into thier inventory (I would like to live in Powell's in Portland, OR) I would like to include new, used or a combination of the two. But realistcally, new or combination of new and used would be fine. I could pursue the used under another request if necessary.


  • I think my question is fairly basic but, as you suggest, the data is not as readily available as would allow for a quick, detailed answer. Strange for a supposedly data-driven industry. The census link is OK and somewhat helpful. I may take up a collection to submit a higher priced question in the same field but let's consider this closed and answered. Thanks, Steve







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