- Retailers
- Largest Clothing Companies
- Largest Book Stores In America
- Largest Food Stores
- Biggest Electronics Store
- Biggest Grocery Stores In Us
- Largest Restaurant Chains
- Largest Retailers
- Largest Jewelry Companies
- Largest Sporting Goods Companies
- Largest Gas Station Chains
- Largest Shoe Companies
- Largest Convenience Store Chains
Largest Bookstores Research Summary
The largest bookstore in the U.S. is Amazon, with an annual revenue of $469.8 billion.
As of 2026, the market size of the U.S. bookstore industry is $9.7 billion.
Romance remains the most popular book genre in the U.S., with over 32 million copies sold in this category in 2022.
The U.S. bookstore industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 1.9% from 2022 to 2030.
In a world increasingly dominated by digital consumption, brick-and-mortar bookstores are rising to the challenge. While many local shops faced hardships due to the internet boom, several major bookstores have adapted and thrived, showcasing the enduring appeal of physical books and the community spaces that bookstores provide.
Despite the challenges, avid readers continue to cherish the tactile experience of browsing shelves, feeling the weight of a book in their hands, and engaging with knowledgeable staff. Bookstores have become more than just places to buy books; they are community hubs that foster connections through events, discussions, and book clubs.
Key Takeaways:
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Bookstores have maintained a loyal following of readers who appreciate in-person browsing experiences.
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These stores are essential for discovering new titles and nurturing a love for reading through community engagement.
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In addition to books, many bookstores now offer a diverse range of products, from gifts to educational materials.
10 Largest Bookstores in America
To identify the largest bookstores, we considered various factors, including sales, income, and the impact of e-commerce on traditional retail. It’s noteworthy that many bookstores have expanded their offerings beyond books, integrating products that complement the reading experience.
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Annual Revenue: $469.8 billion
4601 26th Avenue NE
Seattle, WA 98105Amazon stands as the largest book retailer globally, boasting a catalog of over 33 million titles. The company has successfully transitioned from an online-only model to opening physical locations across various states, including California, New York, and Texas, demonstrating a dual approach to retail.
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Annual Revenue: $3.6 billion
33 East 17th Street
New York, NY 10003Once home to the world’s largest bookstore, Barnes & Noble has adapted to the changing landscape by enhancing its in-store experience and product range, now featuring multimedia offerings and specialty items beyond just books.
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Annual Revenue: $1.4 billion
1 Meadowlands Plaza
East Rutherford, NJ 07073Renowned for its Hudson News stores in airports, The Hudson Group operates over 970 locations, blending book sales with travel essentials and convenience products.
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Annual Revenue: $474.1 million
402 Industrial Ln.
Birmingham, AL 35211Books-A-Million, a prominent southern retailer, has evolved from its origins as a newsstand to a major player in the book market, offering a wide selection of books alongside gifts, toys, and food options in their stores.
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Half Price Books
Annual Revenue: $255.6 million
HPB Headquarters
6803 E. Northwest Hwy.
Dallas, TX 75231As America’s largest family-owned bookstore, Half Price Books champions literacy and community engagement, offering a cozy atmosphere reminiscent of classic bookstores.
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United Methodist Publishing House
Annual Revenue: $160 million
2222 Rosa L Parks Blvd
Nashville, TN 37228Cokesbury, the retail branch of The United Methodist Publishing House, offers a diverse selection of over 300,000 products, catering to a broad audience.
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Annual Revenue: $59 million
55 N. 300 W
Salt Lake City, UT 84101Deseret Book Company specializes in religious texts and materials, having grown from its 1919 origins through acquisitions and expansions.
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Annual Revenue: $50.7 million
Bookmans Entertainment Exchange Headquarters
3330 E. Speedway Blvd.
Tucson, AZ 85716Emphasizing a buy, sell, trade model, Bookmans has successfully diversified its inventory, providing a unique shopping experience that includes books, music, and more.
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Annual Revenue: $45 million
1005 W. Burnside St.
Portland, OR 97209Claimed to be the world’s largest independent bookstore, Powell’s Books has a rich history and continues to thrive in the competitive market with its vast selection.
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Books Inc.
Annual Revenue: $11 million
1501 Vermont Street
San Francisco, CA 94107As the West’s oldest independent bookseller, Books Inc. continues to celebrate its storied past while adapting to modern retail demands with ten locations across California.
The Future of Book Sales in the United States
While reading remains popular among Americans, recent trends indicate a slight decline in overall reading frequency. The rise of eBooks and online purchasing continues to challenge traditional bookstores. However, a renewed interest in independent bookstores is emerging, as they offer a sense of authenticity and community.
The American Booksellers Association has reported an increase in indie bookstore sales, reflecting a shift back to local businesses. This trend is encouraging for readers who value supporting their communities, although larger superstores may face ongoing challenges in maintaining relevance amidst changing consumer preferences.
Largest Bookstore FAQ
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What is the largest bookstore in the U.S.?
The largest bookstore in the U.S. remains Amazon, which holds the title of the world’s largest book retailer, followed by Barnes & Noble.
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Where is the biggest Barnes & Noble in the U.S.?
The largest Barnes & Noble store is located in Union Square, New York City, which is now the chain’s flagship after the closure of their previous record-holding location.
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How many books are sold in the U.S. each year?
Approximately 700-900 million books are sold annually in the U.S. While 2020 saw a record of 942 million units sold, 2022 experienced a decline to 788.7 million books sold.
- Retailers
- Largest Clothing Companies
- Largest Book Stores In America
- Largest Food Stores
- Biggest Electronics Store
- Biggest Grocery Stores In Us
- Largest Restaurant Chains
- Largest Retailers
- Largest Jewelry Companies
- Largest Sporting Goods Companies
- Largest Gas Station Chains
- Largest Shoe Companies
- Largest Convenience Store Chains
Author
Kristin Kizer is an award-winning writer, television and documentary producer, and content specialist who has worked on a wide variety of written, broadcast, and electronic publications. A former writer/producer for The Discovery Channel, she is now a freelance writer and delighted to be sharing her talents and time with the wonderful Zippia audience.
