New Report Sheds Light on Complicated Business of Consumer Book Retailing

STAMFORD, CT -- 06/15/09 -- Simba Information, which recently produced the groundbreaking "Trade E-Book Publishing 2009" report, has added "Trends in Trade Book Retailing" to its research offerings. The report provides a detailed assessment and size estimate of the book industry through the lens of the four channels: Bookstores, the Internet, book clubs, and "other" and contains at least one warning for the industry. "The effect of channel-stuffing blockbuster books is being felt on bookstores, large and small," said Michael Norris, senior analyst at Simba Information, who added that the total number of bookstores in the U.S. has shrunk significantly over the years while the number of big-box department stores has jumped. "They have a place in the retailing ecosystem, but when you combine the convenience of the 'non-bookstores' with their ability to sell popular books at a loss you get a volatile situation for the entire industry."

According to the report, the number of U.S. adults who have bought books at a non-bookstore physical retail location exceeds the number who purchase books online by about 10 million consumers.

The report also provides a "scorecard" for each channel and a demographic overview of the average consumer who uses each, including book clubs. Simba compiled data from Simmons Market Research Bureau's national consumer survey for this analysis. The four channels are also ranked by the estimated number of customers, what formats they buy, and how many titles the consumers purchase. Additional information can be found at www.simbainformation.com.

About Simba Information:

Simba Information is widely recognized as the leading authority for market intelligence in the media and publishing industry. Simba's extensive information network delivers top quality, independent perspective on the people, events and alliances shaping the media and information industry. Simba provides consulting and reports that provide key decision-makers at more than 15,000 client companies around the globe with timely analysis, exclusive statistics and proprietary industry forecasts. For more information, please visit www.simbainformation.com.