Chains, Internet Dominate Bookselling

Chain bookstores accounted for 33% of unit book purchases in the January through September period, according to figures compiled by PubTrack Consumer, a new service introduced by Bowker earlier in 2007. While the chains had the highest market share, purchases made through online retailers represented 20% of book purchases and, despite predictions about the death of book clubs, that channel still accounted for 12% of book buys. In all, the direct-to-consumer (Internet, book clubs, book fairs, other) channel accounted for 35% of purchases in the nine-month period.

Bowker began collecting information for PubTrack at the beginning of 2007 using an online weekly survey that includes 60 to 75 questions dealing with a consumer's book purchasing habits and other activities. The survey is completed by about 15,000 consumers weekly, with more than 10,000 expected to participate throughout the year.

In addition to tracking where consumers buy books, the service identifies what types of books are being purchased as well as demographic information about book buyers. According to Bowker, the most popular category in the January–September span was mystery/detective, which accounted for 17% of books purchased, followed by romance at 11%. In all, the 15 most popular genres accounted for 70% of units purchased by Americans 18 years old and over, excluding children's and used books.