Monday, January 5, 2009

Have You Noticed?

For months now, even prior to the US economic fallout, there has been rumblings and then proclamations throughout the publishing world that book sales are going to fall drastically. I've generally ignored these rumors because I tend to believe that in times of crisis people turn to reading more often than not as a way to escape the depressing nature of the real world. 

But maybe I am wrong. 

In the past two weeks I've been to Borders three times. Each time I've noticed that bookshelves to be increasingly sparse. It's like they aren't restocking. The tables that welcome you when you walk in are becoming bare. Are bookstores not reordering because they aren't selling? Take in account to the number of email coupons and coupons you get at the register - $5 off when you spend $5 ... 40% off any one item ... surely a good deal but how am I suppose to use these if the stock isn't replenished?

Am I alone in seeing this or have others seen it too? Will the publishing world really suffer?

4 comments:

Keli Gwyn said...

Emily,

Just today one of my 2008 Golden Heart finalist pals sold her second book. I was in the Folsom, CA Borders this afternoon where the shelves were overflowing, and I had to wait through a l-o-n-g line. To me these are wonderful indications that perhaps the perception of the economic woes are due to the media putting a negative spin on things and not a reflection of reality. I feel a surge of hope, and I'm clinging to it. :-)

Kailana said...

I don't find my bookstore has any less books, so lets hope!

Kristie (J) said...

I'm thinking they often look sparse near the end of the month, making way for next months' books. It might just be that it's even more noticeable since it's year end. At least I hope so. If I'm anyone to go by, book sales aren't suffering. I've been on a major book buying frenzy lately :)

Emily said...

Ladies ~
It's nice to hear you really aren't seeing the same things I am. Maybe I am just projecting! But like Kristy, if I am any indication, books are not going to suffer. Thank goodness!