Two UK bookstores close down each week

Official figures reveal that UK independent bookshops are closing at a rate of almost two every week over the past year.

With increased competition from the Internet and supermarkets, the UK book trade is suffering. Figures from the Booksellers Association show that 102 independent stores closed in 2009, leaving just 1,289 – a decline of 27% since 1999.

It isn't just small businesses that are suffering. Last year book chain Borders fall into administration, while like-for-like sales at Waterstone's were down by 8.5% in the crucial Christmas trading period.

"The current economic climate is undeniably tough and the book retail sector is suffering across the board," said the Booksellers Association's head of membership services Meryl Halls. She called on readers to support independents, saying that those shops which "are fighting so hard to survive continue to deliver an outstanding service – knowing the books they recommend and sell, knowing their customers, focusing on things that the deep price cutters can't offer and running fantastic and value-adding events".

"These booksellers are at the centre of their communities but, as with all retailers, they need to be supported in order to survive," she noted.