Since they have been there for so long, bookstores have significantly contributed to the spread of information around the globe. When books were kept in libraries and available to readers for free, the earliest bookstore can be found in ancient Greece. However, bookstores didn’t become more widely available to the general public until the printing press was created in the 15th century.
John Dunton opened the first bookstore in the traditional sense in London in 1720. Books were expensive and seen as a luxury good at the time, therefore Dunton’s business served largely as a lending library. However, as the number of people who were reading more books expanded, bookshops started to spring up all throughout Europe and the US.
Booksellers continue to be an essential component of the publishing sector today. The Barnes & Noble flagship location in New York City is the biggest bookstore in the country. The store, which boasts over 12 miles of bookshelves and a floor area of over 154,000 square feet, is a favorite vacation spot for book enthusiasts.
Amazon, however, holds the title of being the biggest bookseller. Amazon, the world’s largest online retailer, was initially established in 1994 as an online book retailer. However, it swiftly moved into other markets. Amazon not only sells physical books but also rules the e-book industry with its Kindle e-reader.
The American Booksellers Association estimates that there are currently about 1,700 independent bookshops in the country. Independent bookshops continue to thrive in many towns, delivering a distinctive shopping experience and a personal touch that larger stores can’t compete with, despite the fact that this number has decreased over the years owing to competition from internet merchants and chain bookstores.
The affection for actual books and the desire to support small businesses have survived the difficulties that many bookstores have endured recently. Even though Amazon may be the largest book seller, independent bookshops are what continue to give readers all around the world a sense of connection and community.