I would to posit another possible contributor – re-positioned impulse market.
I am not sure the public taste for books is as diminished as things appear.

So many sales are impulse purchase decisions. People browse, their interest is aroused, and they buy a book they had not planned to purchase.

Since people are obviously not frequenting bookstores as much these days, the impulse purchases are what is taking the hit. People still buy the books they know they want, they just do it online where the impulse opportunities are diminished.

People are not faced with as many opportunities to buy on impulse, because books are not where they are now frequenting.

The public is becoming more eclectic in their taste and behavior and are less likely to frequent a bookstore. Information is so readily available, people are less likely to be motivated to go to a bookstore these days.

It seems to me this is why Walmart and Costco are selling so many books. People see the books and buy on impulse because they are visible where they are. This is why Starbucks may also become a factor in books sales.

Publishers need to revisit how the public is behaving and what methods are best for delivering books to the market. Especially that would capitalize on the impulse buy.

While schedules pick-up for teen girls due to increased activities at school and increased driving freedom, I think that if these kids are not reading as much it is b/c the reading is not as directed and book sellers are not targeting this age group enough. If you look at all of the ads targeted towards teen girls–clothing, make-up, food–they are aware that girls are coming into money and being trained to be consumers, all of these markets are after teens. Booksellers and publishers should consider doing the same.

In reference to Phillip’s comment above, kids in the younger ages usually have fairly directed reading programs through school. As kids age into the teen years, teens are bringing home textbooks to read, but are not given reading lists or reinforced with award programs for reading as young kids are.

This is a pretty discerning age group (despite what many believe)–the literature must be where they are at in life.

Bookstores have to become a rewarding experience for shoppers to make them want to come, and need to link up with other consumer categories (bakery, travel agency, internet cafe, etc) that I never see anywhere. They can’t compete on price or convenience, so they have to become a place that people look forward to spending time in–and then somehow reward them financially for coming.

I don’t buy the gas prices point. People prioritize. If they really want a book, they’ll buy it. But I do agree with another post…stop producing hardcover books that are so expensive. It doesn’t make any sense, except in extreme cases like Harry Potter.

Why don’t you factor in your books that are sold on Amazon.com? They may be competing with the stores but shouldn’t their growth be shared by the publishers?

Another helpful post Mike, sorry Jennifer and I missed you at ICRS.

Mike, in your quest as publisher for, quote, “a compelling product that captures the imagination” of the reader, perhaps you would benefit from a strategic alliance.

When RCA could not sell the first color TVs, NBC obligingly created a TV show in color called BONANZA — aired it for the family on Sunday nights — and the demand to see in color became a sales bonanza for NBC.

And as for fighting the competition in a way that captures the imagination — when there wasn’t sufficient demand for his utility company’s AC-electric power, Tom Edison created the DC-electric chair — as a warning of the dangers of his competition, DC power. Judging from what comes out of the wall socket, I’d say Edison won.

In your competition with alternate media like computer games — a competition worthy of becoming a crusade — any prospective book buyer could perceive a book publisher like Thomas Nelson to engaged in a battle with the satanic.

Also, I have already pre-ordered Max Lucado’s book 3:16. In response to teenagers not reading, I totally understand that. I was leading the youth at my church and they said they don’t read the Bible, but then they don’t even read books. It’s a sad thing and I hope it changes. I personally read and/or listen to books now. I have a nice commute to work, so it is easier to get through books on audio then sitting down and reading them. If they are good, I will go back and purchase them.

My other two cents, I think retailers need to look at creating atmosphere’s that draw people in – while I enjoy my local Christian book, I love the atmosphere of my local Barnes & Noble! My local Christian bookstore does nothing to make me WANT to be there…”WANT” in my opinion is the beginning of bringing to ‘your local store’

Enjoy your posts…have a great weekend.

I think the real challenge is for the brick-and-mortar stores to differentiate themselves. They have to have knowledgable sales staff who can hand sell books. Otherwise, Amazon or CBD often can be a cheaper choice. Some of our stores are hosting movie nights once a month or opening back areas for other meetings, and I think that can be a great way to keep people in the store who otherwise might drive by without ever stopping.

Those are my thoughts from Indiana.