When it comes to holiday presents, I don’t think there’s anything better than a book. Nothing is as satisfying as finding a book you think a loved one will enjoy and watching them open it on Christmas (and the pain when it stays on their shelves for the rest of their lives? Unrivaled). This time of year also means that Amazon’s sales are going to be tempting, especially with the cost of books these days. However, in the name of bookstores, I implore you to buy elsewhere if you’re able to this holiday season.
Amazon has had a monopoly on book sales and has for a long time. They have been projected to own 80% of the book market by 2025, because they undersell books so that people will purchase them through Amazon rather than through a bookstore. I recently compared the price of a brand new memoir that I want to purchase for my boyfriend and I was shocked to find that the retail price was almost $40 for the new hardcover, and Amazon was selling it for half the price. With prices like that and with the tendency for money to be tight this time of year, it’s no wonder Amazon consistently holds an immense part in book selling.
However, because Amazon is on track to take over so much of the book market, if you are able this year, I recommend looking for other retailers to purchase your books through. While it’s not as reliable for newer books, Thriftbooks is a great, Amazon-free site to search for discounted books. I have purchased so many books for class and for personal use via this site, and I highly recommend it if you want to save some serious money.
If you have the funds, I also recommend shopping via Bookshop.org, where you can buy books and the money goes back to bookshops around the world. While you still pay about full price unless the book is discounted, the funds directly benefit indie bookshops that deserve to continue holding stake in the book market. After all, unique bookshops are what make the world of books so delightful.
And of course, if you are fortunate enough to have a local independent bookshop near you, I absolutely recommend being a patron this holiday season. I have one up the street from me where I get new releases, and I adore the cozy vibe and how the owners are always excited to recommend you a book. The diversity they offer in their selection is amazing as well, and best of all, I know my money is supporting someone’s livelihood and passion. Some bookshops specialize in a certain genre, like The Ripped Bodice in Culver City which exclusively focuses on romance books.
If you have the ability to avoid Amazon this holiday, please do. Bookstores are an important part of the literary community and they deserve to last long into the future. Fight back against monopolies this Christmas for the good of all.
