Slower economy dents book sales
BOOK SALES in the first nine months of the year were some 20 per cent down from the previously expected level, due mainly to lower domestic consumption during the economic slowdown, the Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand (Pubat) said yeste
Pubat president Charun Homtienthong said that amid the high level of household debt this year, people are trying to save more and are generally only spending their money on necessities.
From January to September, the association found that book-selling and publishing businesses – ranging from small bookshops to major chains – had suffered revenue falls of between 10 and 20 per cent due to these negative factors.
For instance, SE-ED Book Centre saw a 10-per-cent decline in book sales from the same period last year, as a result of which it decided to close 10 of its smaller branches in the provinces.
In response to the current tough conditions, some book stores and publishers are focusing more on online service via social media.
The association early this year predicted that total sales in the sector would remain at last year's level of about Bt30 billion.
Charun said small and medium-sized book publishers were engaging in direct marketing and sales for customers via their own social networks in a bid to boost business.
Meanwhile, for sustainable growth, they are reprinting books on demand only, and not in volume as before, he added.
“Social media is playing a key role among local book publishers at this time, along with the creation of customer loyalty,” said the association chief.
To help sustain business in the current quarter, Pubat has organised the “18th Book Expo Thailand 2013”, which will be held from October 16 to 27 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre.
This year’s event will feature a special exhibition to mark the 40th anniversary of the Thai popular uprising on October 14, 1973.
Charun said 450 publishers had confirmed their participation in the fair, and they would offer the best promotions and discounts for customers at their booths in an attempt to boost sales before the year ends.
He pointed out, however, that although Unesco (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) had named Bangkok the “World Book Capital 2013”, there was as yet no concrete action plan to boost the number of book readers in the Kingdom.
He urged the authorities to take such an initiative, as it would also help book publishers and sellers.
