Independent bookstores across Canada are experiencing a resurgence as market dynamics shift from large-scale booksellers and e-books back to intimate, community-based shops. This trend highlights the desire for personalized book-buying experiences among readers and bibliophiles.
In Edmonton, writer and publisher Michael Hingston recognized a gap in the local literary scene and launched Porch Light Books in November. Hingston expressed a need to reconnect with readers directly, observing that the bookstore’s success reflects a broader swing back towards personal interaction and away from the convenience of digital and chain retail options.
Since its opening, Porch Light Books has attracted significant foot traffic, with many families and children exploring its collections. The store’s children’s section has expanded notably due to demand.
Meanwhile, Book Boudoir, a bookstore focusing on the romance genre, has also thrived, drawing visitors from as far as Europe and the U.S. Kelsey Orlecki, the store’s owner, identified a niche in the romance market, and her initial success led to a doubling of store locations within ten months. Orlecki accredits the genre’s broad appeal and global reach to her store’s popularity.
The Canadian Independent Booksellers Association (CIBA) notes a burgeoning interest in diverse, small-scale bookstores across the country. CIBA executive director Laura Carter emphasizes that this trend benefits not only book retailers but also authors, publishers, and communities by fostering a vibrant book market. Currently, there are over 300 independent bookstores in Canada, with more expected to open.
This movement rekindles the sense of community and personal connection that bookstores have historically offered, reflecting a renewed appreciation for the tactile experience of book browsing and purchasing.
