It began in the remote and picturesque states of Alaska and Hawaii. The Costcos in these states have already undergone a significant transformation, having purged their book sections entirely. This shift marks a notable departure from the retailer's previous offerings, which once included a diverse array of books catering to various tastes and interests. Now, in a surprising announcement, Costco has revealed that as of January 2025—just shy of three weeks from now—most of its locations will follow suit and discontinue carrying books altogether. This decision is projected to impact approximately 500 out of the 600 Costco locations, which translates to over 83% of their stores. But does such a sweeping change raise questions about the future of physical bookstores and the evolving landscape of retail?
Turning our attention to Canada, where Costco operates 108 locations, the implications of this decision are equally significant. Of these, 41 are situated in Ontario, a province known for its diverse population and vibrant cultural scene. In the capital city of Ottawa alone, there are four Costco locations: Gloucester, Kanata, Barrhaven, and Merivale, along with a nearby store in Gatineau. The absence of books in these retail spaces would undoubtedly impact local consumers who have come to rely on Costco for not only bulk groceries and household items but also for an enjoyable selection of literature. As Costco has yet to announce which specific locations will be affected by this policy change, there is a growing sense of uncertainty among shoppers. If we analyze the situation further, particularly in Ottawa with its four locations, it seems plausible that if the trend continues as expected, we may be fortunate if even just one of these stores continues to carry books in the future. This potential loss would signify a broader shift in consumer habits and preferences, as well as a reflection of the changing dynamics in how people access reading materials.
As the countdown to January 2025 approaches, many are left to ponder the implications of this decision not only for Costco shoppers but also for the publishing industry at large. This trend prompts a deeper examination of how consumers interact with literature and the spaces in which they choose to acquire it.
But why? Is it a sign of the times, or will this shift lead to a resurgence of
independent bookstores as they fill the void left by large retailers?
The New York Times reported that Costco's reasoning for discontinuing the stocking of certain books was that the process of maintaining and organizing the inventory of these items was too labour intensive and ultimately not cost-effective for the retailer, not a lack of sales nor shortage of demand. This decision appears to be a strategic move aimed at cutting costs, plain and simple. By reallocating the valuable floor space that was previously dedicated to books, Costco aims to utilize that area by showcasing seasonal items or other high-demand products that can generate greater sales and, consequently, higher profits.
Is this decision indicative of a broader trend, one that signals the potential end of books as a staple in retail environments? Is this the herald of things to come? The notion that physical books might be on the decline in places like Costco raises questions about the future of print media and its availability in mainstream retail settings.
However, I find it doubtful that we are witnessing the demise of books altogether. In fact, I believe just the opposite is true. While it may seem that large retailers are scaling back on the physical presence of books, this could very well be a reflection of changing consumer behaviours and preferences rather than a signal that books themselves are becoming obsolete. Independent bookstores and online platforms continue to thrive, catering to the needs of avid readers who seek out literature in various forms. Thus, rather than signaling an end, this shift could indicate a transformation in how books are marketed and sold, emphasizing a more curated and specialized approach to book retailing.
I will speak only of the microcosm of the Nation's Capital and surrounding regions, within the window of time that I will refer to as pre-Pandemic to post-Pandemic. This period has been marked by significant changes, particularly in the realm of independent bookstores, which serve as vital hubs of community engagement, literary exploration, and cultural exchange.
During this transformative time, we have witnessed the emergence of at least three new independent bookstores that have taken root in our community: The Spaniel's Tale, The Book's Better, and Westboro Books. Each of these establishments brings a unique flavour to the literary scene, offering curated selections of books that reflect diverse genres, local authors, and underrepresented voices.
In addition to these newcomers, Perfect Books on Elgin has made a strategic move by taking over the restaurant space neighbouring them, effectively doubling their floor space. This expansion has allowed them to not only increase their inventory but also to create a more inviting atmosphere for customers.
As we reflect on this period, it is evident that the landscape of independent bookstores in the Nation's Capital has not only survived but thrived, adapting to the shifting dynamics of consumer behaviour and community needs. The growth of these bookstores signifies a renewed interest in local literature, community engagement, and the importance of supporting small businesses, all of which contribute to the rich tapestry of culture that defines this vibrant region.
In the 2024 Faces of Ottawa Awards, the shortlist for the category of Best Bookshop revealed a remarkable trend: for the first time in twelve years, every single finalist was an independent bookshop, with not a single big-box bookstore making the prestigious list. This significant development highlights a shift in consumer preferences and a growing appreciation for local businesses that offer unique and personalized experiences. The absence of large chain bookstores from the shortlist raises intriguing questions about the current state of the book retail industry. It suggests a resurgence of independent bookstores, which have long been seen as the underdogs in a market dominated by corporate giants. These independent shops often provide a curated selection of titles, host community events, and foster a sense of belonging among book lovers, distinguishing themselves from their larger counterparts that tend to focus on volume and mass-market appeal. While it is essential to recognize that the Faces Awards are fundamentally little more than a people's choice award, reflecting the preferences of the local community, the results can be indicative of broader trends within the book industry. The growing enthusiasm for independent bookstores may signal a shift in consumer values, where patrons increasingly prioritize supporting local economies and seeking out unique, thoughtfully curated selections over the convenience of large-scale retailers. This phenomenon could indeed be seen as a pulse check on the industry. It raises the question of whether consumers are becoming more aware of the impact of their purchasing decisions on local businesses and the cultural fabric of their communities.
We have observed a notable trend in the retail landscape, particularly within the big-box bookstores, where sales of non-book items have surged to a striking 43%. This figure is alarmingly close to the pivotal 50% threshold, a point at which one might begin to question the very essence of what defines a bookstore. At what juncture does a bookstore, originally conceived as a sanctuary for literature and printed works, begin to transform into a multi-faceted retail establishment that prioritizes a diverse array of merchandise over its core identity? This question invites a deeper exploration into the evolving nature of bookstores in a rapidly changing market.
In a significant development, Toys R Us Canada has made the strategic decision to incorporate an extensive section dedicated to books within its retail spaces. This move not only reflects a growing recognition of the enduring appeal of physical books but also highlights the competitive landscape in which traditional bookstores now find themselves. By diversifying their offerings to include books, Toys R Us Canada is positioning itself to attract a broader customer base, tapping into the nostalgia and tactile pleasure that physical books provide, while also competing against established bookstores that have historically dominated this sector.
Furthermore, it is essential to acknowledge that physical, printed books on paper have maintained a robust presence in the market. Historically, they have consistently outsold ebooks and audiobooks, a testament to the unique and irreplaceable experience that holding a book, flipping through its pages, and savouring the scent of ink and paper can offer. Despite the rise of digital formats, the tactile nature of physical books resonates deeply with readers, fostering a connection that transcends mere consumption. This enduring popularity underscores the resilience of printed literature, suggesting that while the market dynamics may shift, the love for traditional books remains steadfast among a significant segment of the population.
We are seeing Indigo, through its identity crisis, slowly (and ironically) removing itself from the book industry. We are now seeing Costco, with its insatiable hunger for profits, also removing itself from the book industry.
We are witnessing the evolution of Print, Publishing, Creative Writing, and Retail.
The Phenomena of the Rise of the Indie-Author: The explosion of self-published author in the 20-teens (c. 2015). Just like the music explosion of the '80's, it was a barrage of talent and creativity, but also like the music of the '80's, we tend to only remember the hits and the one-hit-wonders. There was still a significant amount of ....less-that-desirable material.
And now, as we are well entrenched in a new decade, we are seeing the Big 5's number slowly drooping, while the collective Small-Mid-sized Presses & Publishing companies catching up, and the phenomena of the indie-author dropping and plateauing out. Why? I can only speculate and make an educated guess.
The model of the Big 5 only works if you're a Stephen King or J.K Rowling. It doesn't work for anybody else. In the 20-teens, thanks to the technology of ebooks and proper print-on-demand, we saw the explosion that was the Rise of the Indie-Author. Now, as we enter the early '20's we are seeing the Small-Mid-sized presses and publishers pickup and collect the talent of the previous decade, bringing their specialty to the fore; to hone and polish, clean up and fine-tune their work, bringing a level of professional expertise that simply wasn't available to the indie-author, and wouldn't have been offered by the Big 5.
And now, as we enter the mid-'20's we are seeing this evolution continue, spreading into the retail end of this creative production chain; the bookstores.
It's a good time to be an author, a writer, and a poet. It's a good time to be a reader and a booklover.
No matter where you live in the Nation's Capital or Surrounding Regions, there's an independent bookstore for you: Perfect Books (Elgin), Books on Beechwood (Beechwood), Octopus Books (The Glebe), Singing Pebbles Books (Old Ottawa East), The Spaniel's Tale Bookstore (Hintonburg), Black Squirrel Books (Old Ottawa South), White Pines Books (Arnprior), Westboro Books, The Book's Better Bookshop (Smiths Falls), Mill Street Books (Almonte).
More exciting news: Broken Keys Publishing & Press has a permanent section at The Book's Better Bookshop with our library approaching 50 titles. We also have merch! T-shirts, tank-tops, and Sustainable Publishing mugs!
Check them out! We have several promotional packages now available for the book lovers out there!
The Symbiot & Down Darkened Corridors: The two book collection regularly retails for $ 29.98 and is now available for only $ 9.99
The BKP Award-Winning Anthology Trilogy: Book of the Year 2021, 2022, & 2023. Thin Places, Love & Catastrophe Poetre, and Ghosts and Other Chthonic Macabres. This promo package goes for $ 19.99 but regularly retails for $ 44.98
From the Land of Dreams Package: Featuring both of Frank Rambeau's sci-fi collections, volumes 1 and 2, with over 868 pages of science fiction adventure! Priced at $ 19.99 (regularly $ 44.98).
Quantities are limited!
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