As the number of traditional bookstores continues to decline and more floor space in existing outlets goes to items other than soft and hardcover books, publishers are faced with the necessity of seeking other options for growth.
"The national bookstore chain has peaked as a sales channel, and the growth is not going to come from there," David Steinberger, chief executive of the Perseus Books Group, told the Times. "But it doesn’t mean that all brick-and-mortar retailers are cutting back."
One of those not cutting back is Kitson, a group of upscale clothing boutiques in Los Angeles. Fraser Ross, the owner of Kitson, said consumers purchased 100,000 books in 2010 from its stores, double from the year before.
Popular sellers at Kitson include How to Raise a Jewish Dog and The Official Dictionary of Sarcasm.
"We try to be different," Mr. Ross told the Times.
Anthropologie sees books as a means to bring depth to its own brand's story.
"As we try to get them excited about different ideas as they walk in the door, books can be a tremendous way to narrate those stories," Aaron Hoey, global general merchandise manager of accessories and home at Anthropologie, told the Times. "We do a very good job of selecting unique books, books you’re not going to find in a typical bookstore, and certainly not in a mass-market bookstore like Borders or Barnes & Noble. And to stumble across it at Amazon, you have to really know what you’re looking for."