After Decades Of Decline, Bookstores Are Writing A Comeback Story

Barchart·12/23/2025 03:38:03

Once destined to be a dying retail genre, bookstores have turned the page as store openings have skyrocketed over the past five years. This year alone, there were 422 independent bookstore openings across the U.S. That represents a 24% increase from 2024, according to the American Booksellers Association. Barnes & Noble has also reportedly opened more new stores in 2025 than it opened collectively from 2009 to 2019.