French bookstores see more closures than openings for first time in 2025
In 2025, France experienced a historic reversal in its bookstore landscape: for the first time, more bookstores closed than opened. The sector, particularly newer establishments, struggled under rising operational costs and declining sales. Despite this downturn, rural areas showed relative dynamism, with some new openings still occurring. The data underscores the fragility of independent bookstores in the face of economic pressures, even as they remain culturally significant.
Key facts
- More bookstores closed than opened in France in 2025 for the first time.
- Rising costs and falling sales are the main challenges.
- Newer bookstores are especially vulnerable.
- Rural areas still show some vitality in bookstore openings.
- The data comes from a Le Monde report dated June 4, 2026.
Entities
Institutions
- Le Monde
Locations
- France