Commercial Books Sales in Swedish
Swedish Books Sales Break Records Amid

Swedish Books Sales Break Records Amid 'Staycation' and Pandemic
INTERNATIONAL | STOCKHOLM - Book sales in Sweden hit an all-time high in the first half of 2021 as people travel less and entertain themselves more at home during the pandemic, a remarkable feat after the 2020 record.
The Swedish Booksellers Association said on Wednesday (11/8) total sales rose 10 percent compared to the same period in 2020, with sales of printed books increasing by 7 percent and digital books by 14 percent. Books for children scored the biggest sales.
Compared to the first half of the year before the 2019 pandemic, total sales were up about 18 percent.
“The trend we have observed since the start of the pandemic continues. Sales of books through digital stores continued to rise, but sales of books at regular bookstores declined," the association said in a statement.
“In addition, many association members reported that vaccinated customers are starting to return to their stores and 'staycation' has also contributed to the increase in sales this summer.”
Maria Hamrefors, chairman of the association, said shops located in big cities and malls accounted for the decline in book trade in stores. "Meanwhile, book sales in stores in holiday resorts or in areas where people live - and work from home - are excellent," he said.
In Trosa, on the Baltic coast, Helena Vazquez Sohlstrom, the new owner of the small town's century-old bookstore, said sales rose in the first half of 2021, just like they did in 2020.
In 2020, total book sales in the Nordic countries rose by nine percent.
Editor :Andi Saputra
Source : VOA