The U.S. book stores industry is projected to reach roughly $37.1 billion in market size in 2026, following 1.0% revenue growth in 2025, according to industry analysis firm IBISWorld. The firm reports the sector has grown at a 1.6% compound annual rate over the past five years, a modest but real recovery after years of pressure from online retail.
IBISWorld's analysis credits recent gains less to overall foot traffic and more to how individual stores tap into cultural momentum — niche concepts such as romance-focused bookstores and cookbook specialists have expanded significantly, outperforming general-interest competitors by pairing inventory with events, clubs, and strong brand identity.
Reporting from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's CO- publication echoes the trend at the store level, describing independent shops building community through in-store partnerships, audiobook clubs, and active engagement with online reader communities like Bookstagram and BookTok. Print unit sales also rose in 2024 after two prior years of decline, reaching 782.7 million units, according to Publishers Weekly data cited in the same report.
For readers looking to support this kind of specialty bookstore directly while still finding a specific title fast, our BookScout tool includes a direct link path to new-book retailers alongside library and used-book options.
Sources: IBISWorld, U.S. Chamber of Commerce CO-.