Books Surge on Faire as Independent Retailers Drive 75% Category Growth

Faire has reported a 75% year-over-year increase in book sales, signaling strong momentum and a revival in this category. In total, publishers and booksellers have sold over $100 million in volume to retailers on the wholesale platform. Today, some of the world’s most prominent publishing houses—including Simon & Schuster, Penguin Random House, and Chronicle Books—are leveraging Faire’s online marketplace to expand their sales and reach more consumers by selling books through independent retailers.

Physical books are experiencing a powerful renaissance, despite the ubiquity of e-readers, e-commerce, and short-form content. Publishers are capitalizing on this renewed demand, using Faire to reach more consumers—often through unexpected retail spaces. Over the past year, nearly 50,000 retailers purchased books through Faire. These buyers include non-traditional storefronts like reiki centers, plant nurseries, and coffee shops, reflecting a shift in consumer behavior: while the demand for physical books remains strong, the ways people shop for them are expanding. Independent retailers are embracing this trend, leveraging Faire to bring books to customers in creative and surprising ways.

“This speaks to a larger business trend of savvy brands finding new revenue streams by tapping into undiscovered markets,” said Faire President, Lauren Cooks Levitan. “It’s a great proof point that brands that diversify their channels can benefit greatly from growth in new categories of buyers to reach even more consumers.” 

Since joining Faire in late 2023, Simon & Schuster has generated significant sales volume, reaching over 5,000 retail storefronts through the platform. By leaning into their partnership with Faire, Simon & Schuster is successfully engaging a wider consumer base and reinforcing the resilience of physical book sales.

“We’re delighted with the success we have had with Faire since we launched with them in 2024. The Faire platform has been instrumental in expanding our business with independent retailers, particularly within the gift market,” said Nicole Vines Verlin, Vice President of Special Markets for Simon & Schuster. “These incremental sales have been impressive and we are confident of continued growth this year. Ultimately, our success with Faire is due to the range and quality of the books that Simon & Schuster and our distribution clients publish. Our books merchandise beautifully with the unique products our Faire retailers sell, making them a great gift option. Our strong book sales on Faire further illustrate the appeal of books as gifts in the independent retail marketplace.”

This trend is part of a broader shift towards a preference for physical shopping and in-person experiences. Print book sales increased in 2024 for the first time in three years – young readers’ preference for physical books, combined with their enthusiasm for local shopping, signals a lasting shift in how and where people buy books. As retailers beyond traditional bookstores stock their shelves with hardcovers and paperbacks, this retail expansion points to an enduring future for print.