Ahhhh, the scent of ink and the feel of the page; the tranquillity and reassuring uniformity of expertly indexed shelves; the grind of the bean and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee.
Knowledge. Escapism. Entertainment.
"Someone is staring at you in Personal Growth." (When Harry Met Sally)
Bookstores are more than collections of books waiting for eager readers. They're venues for meeting, learning, sharing - even flirting. And - just perhaps - someone might be waiting for you in Personal Growth who, one day, becomes your significant other.
Perhaps we're over-romanticising the electricity of those stacked shelves. And, sure, physical bookstores have been challenged by internet behemoths promising speedy delivery and ebooks.
But:
Sales of physical books in physical stores are booming. A bookshop is so more than just a place to buy books, it seems.
If your passion is for the printed word, then a bookstore franchise might just offer the opportunity to become your own boss and thrive in an environment that people simply love.
Franchising
Bookstore franchises offer entry into a profitable marketplace, with a turnover of around £1bn a year, sector-wide. Independent bookstores are popular, but established brands have the prestige, reputation, and curb-appeal to attract passing trade.
Most bookstores offer special events to coincide with publications of popular titles (such as the Harry Potter series), and established brands are far more likely to attract the big names for signings and Q&As.
Bookstore franchises offer people with little experience of running a business the opportunity to become their own boss. Running a business isn't without its headaches, though; which is where bookstore franchise parent companies come into help with training, HR and employment support, as well as the benefit of big marketing campaigns.
Facts About Bookstore Franchises
Bookstores are unique places: there's a gentle buzz and a tranquil aura that seems to get people chatting, sharing tips, and making new friends.
And this is where bookstore franchises have the scale to appeal to more than just the book lover; they can appeal to the social side of consuming so lacking in internet marketplaces.
Bookstore franchises offer complementary events such as book signings - if you have a recognised and respected brand, you're more likely to attract the big stars. But successful chains also offer singles nights and book clubs, branded cafe corners and writers rooms.
There are approximately 2,050 book retailers in the UK, bringing in an average of £1bn annually. The sector employs around 9,800 people.
General bookstore franchises are popular, although there's a wide range of specialist bookstore that attract a broad range of niche enthusiasts.
Some of the most popular niches in specialist bookstores include:
- Adult non-fiction
- Adult fiction
- Young Adult (YA) fiction
- Textbooks and educational titles
- Anarchist and anti-establishment titles
- Graphic novel and fanfiction
Franchising Vs Independent
When you're looking to invest in a bookstore franchise, you'll need backing from a moneylender. Banks tend to favour the franchise model because the business infrastructure has been proven sustainable by the parent company.
Independent companies often struggle to achieve start-up funds because they lack the backing of an established partner with proven market viability. For this reason, indies find it challenging to negotiate decent interest rates because the risk on investment return is higher.
Franchise businesses, on the other hand, generally hit the ground running because they have the instant curb-appeal of familiar branding and access to an existing client base who already know and trust the company.
Franchisees also benefit from the expertise and support of their parent company, helping them thrive from the very moment they open their doors.
Bookstore Franchises
Explore our brilliant choice of bookstore franchises, and get the UK reading the best in fiction and non-fiction (and maybe even meeting their significant other).
Find your brand new start with Franchise Direct.