Independent bookstores experienced significant growth in 2025, with 422 new shops opening according to data from the American Booksellers Association. This represents a 31% increase compared to 2024 figures.

The growth comes amid ongoing concerns about large retailers and e-commerce platforms affecting small businesses across various sectors. Amazon and major chain stores have been cited as competitive pressures facing independent retailers in recent years.

The bookstore expansion appears to run counter to broader predictions about retail consolidation favoring larger operations. Independent bookshops have historically faced challenges from both online retailers and large chain bookstores.

The American Booksellers Association tracks independent bookstore openings and closings as part of its industry monitoring. The organization's data shows the net positive growth in new store locations during the 2025 period.

Other small business categories including restaurants, coffee shops, fitness centers, and clothing stores have also maintained operations alongside larger competitors, though specific growth figures for these sectors were not provided in the available data.