A surprising turn of events on World Book Day: While interest in books is reignited, foot traffic continues to decline

On World Book Day, celebrated this Tuesday, the resurgence of book reading was evident, bringing a glimmer of hope to booksellers. However, amidst this positive trend, there is a looming concern for brick-and-mortar bookstores facing a decline in footfall.

Prominent bookstore owners in the state capital shared their reflections on the changing reading habits, with a shift towards e-books and the rise of online stores impacting their businesses. Gaurav Prakash of Universal Booksellers expressed his worry about the potential closure of local bookstores, emphasizing the importance of saving these community hubs.

The shift to online book purchasing has led to a significant decrease in foot traffic at Universal Bookstore, with 20 to 30 percent of customers now opting for online platforms. Prakash highlighted the challenges faced by traditional bookstores in the face of online competition, emphasizing the need for sustainable business practices.

Despite these challenges, there is a silver lining as more young people are developing a reading habit, with a growing interest in self-publishing and novel writing. Book fairs and popular bookstores are attracting a new generation of readers, signaling a potential revival in the literary landscape.

As the reading preferences shift from fiction to mythology and self-help genres, booksellers are adapting by expanding their offerings. With a renewed focus on promoting local authors and engaging with young readers, the future of bookstores may hold promise amidst the changing literary landscape.