Independent bookstores make quiet comeback as big chains dominate retail

Font size

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...

Continue reading on Guardian Business

This article was originally published by Guardian Business.

ITV is selling its broadcasting division to Sky for £1.6bn, a move seen as an end to an era for the 70-year-old company. The deal reflects the decline of traditional free-to-air broadcasting in the face of streaming giants, with ITV's digital revenues showing growth but not enough to offset the linear business's struggles.

Guardian Business

Developing·2h ago

Castlelake to Acquire easyJet for £5.5bn in Takeover Deal

US private equity firm Castlelake has agreed to a £5.5bn takeover of easyJet, offering £6.90 per share. The deal, which follows four previous rejections, is seen by analysts as a sign of UK firms being undervalued and bought cheaply by foreign buyers.

Guardian UK

Developing·3h ago

Hedge fund run by GB News co-owner nearly triples fossil fuel investments

Sir Paul Marshall's hedge fund, Marshall Wace, nearly tripled its fossil fuel investments to $2.8bn in Q1 2026, while cutting clean energy investments. Critics accuse Marshall of "cashing in on climate chaos" and using GB News to promote his financial interests.

Guardian UK

Developing·6h ago

Sky to Buy ITV's Media and Entertainment Divisions for £1.6bn

Sky is acquiring ITV's media and entertainment divisions for £1.6bn, a deal that will keep popular shows like Coronation Street and Love Island free to watch until at least 2034. The takeover aims to create a strong rival to global streaming giants.

BBC Business

Developing·7h ago

Allison Kirkby's BT Turnaround: Success or Lucky Break?

BT CEO Allison Kirkby has overseen an 80% share price climb and a £5.6m pay package, but questions linger about her credit for the turnaround. The company is focusing on domestic operations, with plans to cut workforce by 40% and increase savings.