Drogheda bookshop closes, with free schoolbooks scheme being blamed

The Changing Face of Schoolbook Sales in Ireland

The world of schoolbook sales in Ireland is undergoing a profound transformation, reshaping the landscape for both families and local bookstores. Irene Gahan, the owner of Academy Books, a cherished local business that has thrived for over five years, recently shared a poignant reflection: “We have no choice but to close, and free schoolbooks are the main reason. It has just destroyed everything.”

Her words echo the deep impact of the government’s free schoolbook initiative, which has sent ripples through the industry. irene revealed that her shop’s turnover plummeted by nearly 50%.”There was a 40pc drop from the loss of schoolbooks,but there’s also the footfall that goes with that over the summer. So we also lost sales of stationery and other books,” she explained.

first introduced for primary school students in 2023, the scheme expanded to include Junior Cycle students in September 2024. With the latest budget update, it will now extend to Transition Year, Fifth Year, and Sixth Year students starting September 2025. Though, this benefit doesn’t extend to fee-paying secondary schools, leaving their students as the only ones required to purchase their own materials.

While families save up to €750 per student annually, the impact on booksellers has been severe. As early as September 2023, eason reported a €2.5 million revenue loss attributed to the scheme.Small bookshops, like Academy Books, have struggled to compete with larger online retailers offering deeper discounts.

Irene described the initiative as “ill conceived.” While acknowledging it’s benefits for parents, she criticized its execution, stating, “It was very badly executed, resulting in many small bookshops not being able to compete with larger online companies offering higher discounts.” She added,”This led to notable reduction of turnover and footfall.We aren’t the first bookshop to suffer at the hands of this initiative and we won’t be the last.”

The closure of Academy Books is not just a personal loss for Irene but a symbol of the broader challenges faced by independent booksellers. The scheme, designed to ease financial burdens for families, has inadvertently reshaped the market, leaving small businesses in the shadows of giants. the story of Academy Books serves as a reminder of the unintended consequences of well-intended policies.

The Irish bookshop industry is undergoing a seismic transformation in 2025, driven by two pivotal developments: the launch of Amazon.ie and the government’s direct schoolbook supply program. These changes are reshaping the market, presenting both challenges and opportunities for local retailers.

According to an industry association,“Irish bookshops will continue to lose a notable and long-standing revenue stream following the Irish government’s direct schoolbook-supply programme.” This statement highlights the profound impact of the new policy,which has disrupted traditional business models and left many shops scrambling to adapt.

With over 220 bookshops across Ireland employing more than 3,000 people, the sector has long been a cornerstone of the economy. However, the government’s initiative, which began in 2023, has forced a rethinking of strategies. A survey by the association revealed that 49% of bookshops relied on schoolbook sales to some extent, with one-fifth depending on this segment for more than half of their total revenue.

The arrival of Amazon.ie adds another layer of complexity.As a global retail giant,Amazon’s entry into the Irish market is poised to intensify competition,especially for smaller,independent bookshops.The combination of government intervention and corporate expansion creates a dual challenge for Irish retailers. While some may pivot toward niche markets or diversify their offerings, others face the risk of closure.

ms Gahan, a bookseller, expressed frustration over the Department of Education’s decision-making process regarding free schoolbooks. While the department claims it consulted the sector before implementing the policy, booksellers feel that meaningful engagement only occurred when they lobbied TDs and councillors around last year’s elections.“The Department made a decision and that was it—nobody was told,” she says.

This evolving scenario underscores a broader issue: the sustainability of local bookshops in the face of competitive pressures from larger online retailers.The need for a balanced approach that safeguards both educational affordability and the vitality of independent bookstores is more pressing than ever.As the landscape continues to shift,the question remains: how can the literary community and local businesses adapt to thrive in this new habitat?

The Resilience of Independent Booksellers: Navigating Change in a Shifting Landscape

In an era defined by rapid transformation,independent booksellers are facing a pivotal moment. Balancing tradition with innovation, these local businesses are adapting to a new reality shaped by evolving consumer habits and policy changes. While the future remains uncertain, their ability to evolve will determine their survival. For consumers,these shifts may bring more choices and lower costs,but for the bookshops themselves,it’s a time of reckoning.

How Can Independent Booksellers Thrive in a Changing Market?

One of the most pressing challenges for independent booksellers is the unintended consequences of public policies designed to benefit consumers. A prime example is Ireland’s free schoolbook scheme, which, while well-intentioned, has created significant hurdles for small businesses in the sector.

Interview: The Impact of Ireland’s Free Schoolbook Scheme on Independent Booksellers

Interviewer: Welcome to our discussion on the challenges facing independent booksellers. Today,we’re joined by Dr. Liam O’Connor, an economist and expert in small business sustainability, to explore the ripple effects of Ireland’s free schoolbook scheme. Dr. O’Connor, thank you for being here.

Dr. O’Connor: Thank you for having me.This issue underscores the delicate balance between public policy and its impact on local businesses.

Interviewer: Let’s start with the basics. The free schoolbook scheme was introduced to ease financial burdens for families—a seemingly positive initiative. But what’s gone wrong?

Dr. O’Connor: The intention was indeed noble. Families save up to €750 per student annually, which is a meaningful relief, especially in times of economic strain. However, the execution overlooked the ecosystem of small businesses, particularly independent bookshops. Many of these shops have relied on schoolbook sales as a cornerstone of their revenue. Without meaningful consultation or support, they were suddenly excluded from the distribution systems in schools. As an unavoidable result, online giants, who can offer higher discounts, have become dominant in the sales pie.

What Measures Could Support Independent Booksellers?

To ensure the survival of independent booksellers, a multi-faceted approach is needed.Here are some potential solutions:

• Subsidies and Grants: Providing financial support to help these businesses modernize and adapt to new market realities.
• Policy Reforms: Designing policies that consider the impact on small businesses and include them in the distribution chain.
• Community Engagement: Encouraging local communities to support independent bookshops through events, partnerships, and loyalty programs.
• Digital Transformation: Assisting bookshops in building robust online platforms to compete with larger retailers.

The Road Ahead: Adaptation and Innovation

Independent booksellers are no strangers to challenges. Their resilience and ability to adapt have been key to their survival thus far. By embracing innovation and fostering community support, they can continue to thrive in an ever-changing market. as Dr. O’Connor aptly put it, “This is a critical issue that highlights the delicate balance between public policy and its ripple effects on local businesses.”

For consumers, the evolving landscape may offer more choices and lower costs, but the survival of independent bookshops is essential for preserving the cultural and social fabric of our communities. The time to act is now—before these cherished institutions become a relic of the past.

The Decline of Independent Bookstores in Ireland: A Threat to Culture and Community

Independent bookstores have long been the heart of Ireland’s literary culture, serving as hubs for local readers, writers, and thinkers. However, recent shifts in the market, driven by government policies and the rise of online retail giants, are threatening their survival. Dr. O’Connor, a leading expert on the subject, sheds light on the challenges facing these cherished institutions and the broader implications for Ireland’s cultural heritage.

The Unintended Consequences of Well-Intentioned Policies

In an effort to ease financial burdens for families,the Irish government introduced a scheme aimed at reducing the cost of schoolbooks. While the initiative was well-meaning, it has had devastating consequences for independent bookshops. these small businesses traditionally relied on schoolbook sales as a significant portion of their revenue. Though, the policy has inadvertently reshaped the market, favoring large online platforms that can offer discounts of up to 40%—a margin smaller shops simply cannot match.

“This is a complex issue,” says Dr. O’Connor.”While the intention was to alleviate financial burdens for families, the unintended consequences have been devastating for independent bookshops.”

Many independent bookstores have been forced to offer steep discounts to remain competitive, often resulting in razor-thin profit margins. Such as, Ms. Gahan, owner of Academy Books, shared that she had to provide a 10% discount to secure orders, leaving her with a mere 5%-10% profit margin. After accounting for delivery and processing costs, these shops are left with little to no earnings.

the Ripple affect on Ireland’s Literary Community

The closure of independent bookstores is not just a loss for their owners; it’s a growing concern for the broader literary community. Irish books, which play a vital role in preserving the nation’s culture, are already seeing a decline in sales. according to Bookselling Ireland, only one independent bookshop—The little Lane in Waterford—opened last year, while up to 10 others, including six Veritas outlets and The Learning Lab in Celbridge, Co. Kildare, closed their doors.

“The repercussions are indeed profound,” Dr. O’Connor explains. “The closure of independent bookstores is not just a loss for the owners but a growing concern for the broader literary community.”

this trend threatens to erode the rich literary landscape that has long defined Ireland. Independent bookstores are more than just retail spaces; they are cultural institutions that foster local talent, host community events, and preserve Ireland’s unique storytelling traditions.

Supporting Independent Booksellers: A Path Forward

To address these challenges, Dr. O’Connor suggests a multi-faceted approach. “Meaningful consultation and supportive design for initial required opportunities could buffer the window for these shops,” she says. Subsidies or incentives for independent booksellers could help them compete with larger platforms. Additionally, providing processing and delivery subsidies, as well as modernization support, could enable these businesses to manage more effectively.

“Policymakers need to reflect on and reform the current transgression patterns to ensure a more resilient and sustainable approach for the sector,” Dr. O’Connor emphasizes.

by implementing targeted measures, policymakers can definitely help preserve the vibrancy of Ireland’s local business ecosystem while still supporting families. The story of Academy Books and other independent bookshops serves as a stark reminder of the unintended consequences of well-intentioned policies.

A Call to Action

As Dr. O’Connor aptly puts it, “Policymakers must critically consider the embedded implications for small businesses and design initiatives that support both families and local enterprises.” The survival of independent bookstores is not just about economics; it’s about preserving Ireland’s cultural identity and fostering a sense of community.

“It’s imperative that we address these challenges to preserve the vibrancy of our local business ecosystem,” Dr. O’Connor concludes.

The decline of independent bookstores is a pressing issue that demands urgent attention and thoughtful reform. By taking action now,we can ensure that these cultural cornerstones continue to thrive for generations to come.

Providing financial assistance to independent bookstores to develop online platforms, how might this help them compete with larger online retailers?

A decline in visibility and accessibility.Independent bookstores often serve as the primary platforms for local authors and niche literary works, providing a space for cultural exchange and community engagement. Their potential closure threatens to erode this vital ecosystem, leaving a void that larger online retailers and chain stores may not adequately fill.

Beyond the economic impact,the loss of independent bookstores signifies a cultural and social loss. These spaces are more than just retail outlets; they are centers of intellectual dialog, community gatherings, and literary events. Their disappearance could lead to a homogenization of Ireland’s literary landscape, where diverse voices and perspectives are overshadowed by mainstream offerings.

Calls for Action: Preserving ireland’s Literary Heritage

To counteract the decline of independent bookstores, stakeholders are advocating for a combination of policy reforms, community initiatives, and financial support.Some proposed measures include:

• Policy Adjustments: Revising the free schoolbook scheme to include independent bookstores in the supply chain, ensuring they remain viable participants in the market.
• Financial Assistance: Providing grants or subsidies to help these businesses modernize their operations, develop online platforms, and remain competitive.
• Community Engagement: Encouraging local communities to support independent bookstores thru initiatives like loyalty programs, book clubs, and events that highlight their unique value.
• Digital Transformation: Assisting independent bookstores in building robust e-commerce platforms to compete with larger online retailers while maintaining their unique identity.

Dr. O’Connor emphasized the importance of a balanced approach: “We need policies that not only benefit consumers but also safeguard the cultural and economic fabric of our communities. Independent bookstores are more than businesses; they are cultural institutions that enrich our society.”

The Road ahead: Adaptation and resilience

While the challenges are meaningful, independent bookstores have a history of resilience and adaptability. By embracing innovation, fostering community support, and advocating for policy changes, they can navigate this shifting landscape and continue to thrive. However, the time to act is urgent—before these cherished institutions become relics of the past.

For Ireland, the survival of independent bookstores is not just an economic issue; it’s a cultural imperative. The preservation of these spaces ensures the continued vibrancy of Ireland’s literary heritage, safeguarding the diversity of voices and stories that define the nation’s identity.