Bookshops across Ireland ended 2025 with a disappointing Christmas trading picture according to new survey data from the Booksellers Association.
More than half of Irish booksellers say sales were down over the Christmas period compared to 2024 figures, while just one in four bookshops reported an increase in footfall.
Only one third reported that sales were up on the previous year, half of them said sales were down and the remainder reported a broadly stable performance.
The figures are based on the Booksellers Association’s membership, which represents approximately 95% of bookshops across the UK and Ireland.
Meryl Halls, Managing Director of the Booksellers Association said that bookshops ended 2025 with a real mix of experiences.
“Some had a strong Christmas and a positive year overall, while others are still working incredibly hard just to stay afloat,” she said.
“What unites them is a deep commitment to their communities and to getting books into the hands of readers – a role that places bookshops at the heart of the National Year of Reading,” said Ms Halls.
Independent bookshop numbers showcased a positive trend with four openings and no closures, bringing the total to 124 outlets.
However, the Booksellers Association said this should be caveated by the closure of the Christian specialist bookseller chain Veritas, among others, underscoring that ongoing closures elsewhere in the market remain a concern.
“It’s genuinely encouraging to see more independent bookshops opening than closing; that doesn’t happen by accident,” she said, “it reflects the entrepreneurialism, ingenuity, and sheer hard work of booksellers across the UK and Ireland.
“But 41 closures in a single year are still 41 too many, and they are a reminder of just how fine the financial margins in the sector remain,” she warned.
Looking ahead to 2026, Irish booksellers also highlighted significant cost pressures.
Nearly 70% of those surveyed cited the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on consumer spending and confidence, while over 50% identified increasing RRPs and wholesale prices as a key concern.
Staffing costs and rents were also widely flagged among respondents.
