A trip to Avenue Road is a rite of passage for students. They would congregate around the more than 300 books shops — retailers, wholesalers, second-hand dealers — all selling guides and academic books for professional courses.
These days, however, most book stores are reporting a nearly 60 per cent drop in business. The first to feel the impact of online retailers were pavement sellers hawking textbooks.
Meanwhile, reputed names like Subhas Stores & Book Corner complain of unsustainable business. Owner A.P. Pradeep said that if the slump continues for another two years, most shops would down shutters, changing the character of Avenue Road for good. Even today, many shops that were earlier dealing in academic books alone have shifted focus to wholesale stationery. The sole reason for the slump is attributed to e-commerce platforms, which offer large discounts on textbooks. “They have almost decimated the business in new academic books. Now students come here only in search of rare editions of textbooks and used books,” said Jeevan of B.S. Gowda Book House.
Students cite the ease of use and good deals as some reasons for switching to online retailers. “Online retailers usually offer discounts and the books are delivered to my doorstep. I stay in Marathahalli. Travelling all the way to Avenue Road is time consuming,” says Shilpi C., a BCA student.
It’s been a rough year for these old book stores that have catered to families for generations. For now, stationery and sale of second-hand books are keeping them afloat.
