Utah bookstores open and host events as reading rates fall
Booksellers told Utah Business that gifts, memberships and community events help them stay profitable.
Based on reporting by Utah Business. Read the original story →
Salt Lake CitySpanish ForkOgdenSt. George
At least seven new bookstores have opened in Utah in the last year and 21 in the last five years, according to the Mountains & Plains Independent Booksellers Association, Utah Business reported. The American Booksellers Association says 605 new bookstores opened nationwide in 2025. [1]
The magazine noted that this comes as studies show fewer Americans reading for pleasure. Retail analyst Elizabeth Lafontaine of Placer.ai told the outlet that consumers are looking for in-person places to gather and that in-store experiences are a key driver of visits. [1]
Amanda Warren of Bookish SLC said the business hosts reading parties that draw 100 to 200 people. Bookish SLC is hosting the Salt Lake Book Festival on Oct. 16-17, which includes an adult spelling bee, author panels and Spanish storytime for kids. Owners of Poppy Books and Gifts in Spanish Fork and The Romantics Archive in Ogden also described book clubs and events as ways to bring people together. [1]
Anne Holman, co-owner of King's English Bookshop in Salt Lake City, said selling gifts such as stationery and candles brings a better margin and helps the shop keep slower-selling books on the shelf. Utah Business also reported that some stores offer memberships, including the Book Bungalow in St. George. [1]
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