Book stores witness decline in sales as Covid fear drives people online

BHUBANESWAR: The sale of books in brick and mortar stores has dipped during the pandemic in the capital city. The book stores that were already grappling with low footfalls are now losing out to online sale of books and kindle versions. Many book stores have taken to social media to continue in the business.
“The sale of books was down for many reason, including decline in reading habits in people. Now people are not treading outdoors to buy books. Those who want to buy books are opting for online purchase due to contact-less delivery,” Ramakanta Parida, owner of book shop in Saheed Nagar.
Most book store owners said due to closure of educational institutions due to the pandemic and subsequent lockdown, the sale of textbooks have fallen drastically.
Gyana Ranjan Sahu of A K Mishra Agencies, one of the leading book sellers in the city said, “The sale of textbooks goes up at the beginning of the academic season. But due to Covid and online classes, sale is almost nil.”
Sahu added, “We are also not allowing customers to visit the store and select their books due to the rise in Covid cases. Rather we are giving them any particular book at the counter.”
However, the book sellers said the sale of children’s books, including story books, colouring, puzzle and activity books has gone up.
“Due to closure of schools and to reduce the screen time of children, parents are coming to buy activity and story books for children to keep them engaged at home,” said Subrat Padhi, another bookseller.
Moreover, with a large number of people working from home due to the Covid situation, some avid readers are getting a chance to revive the old hobby of book reading and are buying novels and fiction.
“I used to read lots of novels and fiction when I was in college. After I joined work and then due to work at home and office, I hardly find time for reading. Now while working from home, I get some time and have started reading again. I ordered some books of my favourite authors online,” said Mansi Panda, a corporate employee.
There are several pages and forums on social media to discuss books and to indulge in digital conversation on books and topics. Many who feel that e-books are a safer option than books during the pandemic.
“E-books are also good though you will miss the smell and sound of turning pages. But when the whole world is adjusting to the new normal, we too have to manage,” said Aparna Das, a book lover.
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