Independent Bookstore Membership Reaches Highest Level Since Late 1990s

Membership in the American Booksellers Association grew by more than 500 stores over the past year to reach 3,417 stores operating at 3,783 locations. The current total is the highest since the late 1990s. The association's figures cover stores of several types, including general-interest shops, mobile stores, and pop-up locations.

New members include stores focused on romance, fantasy, and romantasy titles.

Noble has opened more than 100 stores in the past two years under CEO James Daunt. Some independent owners have expressed concern that new Barnes & Noble locations could reduce their sales. Daunt stated that he does not view the market as finite and noted that he founded an independent bookstore in London before joining Barnes & Noble.

Owners of The Book Loft Oak Park in the Chicago area said they hope customers drawn to a nearby Barnes & Noble will also visit their store.

American Booksellers Association, said costs remain high and that budget cuts at schools and libraries limit purchases from independent stores. Hill described the sector as healthy but precarious. Kelley Hartnett opened Double Dog Bookshop in Wentzville, Missouri, in 2025 as a mobile store before adding a storefront.

She said the business is about 50 percent books and 50 percent community and that customers seek in-person connection.