Jeff Bezos and MacKenzie Scott drove 2,000 miles across the US in 1994, with Bezos drafting Amazon's initial 30-page business plan on a laptop in the passenger seat of a borrowed Chevy Blazer. Scott supported his career change from Wall Street and assisted with early business tasks.
Jeff Bezos and MacKenzie Scott embarked on a 2,000-mile road trip across the US in 1994, during which Bezos drafted Amazon's initial business plan on a laptop. Scott drove while Bezos worked on financial predictions, laying the groundwork for the e-commerce giant.
Rakuten's Kobo e-reader, once thought to support independent bookstores via their websites, is experiencing delays in its partnership with Bookshop.org. Originally slated for 2025, then 2026, the integration is now tentatively expected "later this year," according to Bookshop.org's CEO.
Two owners of Hong Kong's Hunter Bookstore, arrested on suspicion of sedition and money laundering, have been released on bail. Police allege they sold inflammatory publications, organized talks targeting youth, and received funds from foreign political organizations.
Gibert Jeune, an iconic bookstore chain in Paris's Latin Quarter, is facing severe financial difficulties, with its flagship location at Place Saint-Michel set to become a burger restaurant. The group, along with others like Nosoli, is under judicial reorganisation, highlighting a broader crisis in the independent bookstore sector.
In Chengdu, China, women are carving out spaces for feminist expression and community despite government restrictions. Bookstores, bars, and social networks are fostering empowerment and solidarity, adapting strategies to navigate a restrictive political climate.
In France, 2025 saw more bookstore closures (85) than openings (83), a first since the CNL began its census. This trend, following a post-pandemic boom, highlights economic pressures and rising fixed costs for bookstores.
In France, 2025 saw more bookstore closures (85) than openings (83), a first since the CNL began its census. This trend, particularly affecting newer establishments, is attributed to economic pressures and rising operational costs.
France recorded a net closure of bookstores in 2025, a first since records began, with 85 closures versus 83 openings. The trend follows a slowdown in 2024 after a post-pandemic boom, attributed to rising costs and declining sales.
German Minister Wolfram Weimer has dropped his appeal against a court ruling that prohibited him from calling bookstore operators "political extremists." The court found no factual basis for the claim, which Weimer made in an interview.
Planet Money explores how economic forces influence bookstore choices through their book's publishing journey.
Bengaluru's beloved Bookworm bookstore lost approximately 5,000 books valued at Rs 14 lakh after severe thunderstorms and clogged drainage caused flash flooding. The local community has rallied on social media to offer support to the shop's proprietor.
About 422 indie bookshops opened in 2025, up 31%, defying predictions of retail consolidationFor years now, we have heard that Amazon and the big chains are crushing small businesses, but independent bookstores are suddenly making a comeback.About 422 new indie bookshops opened in 2025, according to the American Booksellers Association, a 31% rise from 2024. Countless independent restaurants, coffee shops, fitness centers, movie theaters, clothing stores and other small businesses also continue to thrive even in this era of ever-bigger retailers, fast-casual restaurants and massive e-commerce platforms. Continue reading...
