Despite predictions to the contrary, Amazon and e-reader technology have not led to the total annihilation of independent, brick-and-mortar bookstores. Membership in the American Booksellers Association, in fact, has risen for seven straight years, up 27 percent from 2009 to 2016, with store locations up even more. CEO Oren Teicher credits the “buy local” movement and efforts such as IndieCommerce, ABA’s e-commerce platform for independent bookstores, among factors contributing to its growth.

2009: 1,651

2011: 1,823

2012: 1,900

2013: 1,971

2014: 2,094

2015: 2,227

2016: 2,311

* No 2010 store data provided

Source: American Booksellers Association