Overview

• Official figures show about 2,980 book retail companies in 2023, down from roughly 3,930 in 2018.
• Employment in the sector declined 19% over five years to 22,620 people in 2023.
• Despite fewer outlets and staff, reported revenue rose about 9% to nearly €4.0 billion in 2023.
• New apprenticeship starts totaled roughly 490 in 2024 versus about 500 in 2023 and around 470 in 2014, with women comprising 87% of the 2024 intake.
• Destatis applies the EU company definition covering independent shops and large chains, and released the update ahead of the Frankfurt Book Fair.