Christmas retail survey

Survey of Christmas 2005 book market reporting remarks of spokespeople for Ottakar's, Amazon, Asda, Borders UK and Blackwell's. A late surge salvaged the season and WH Smith was widely perceived as the high street winner. Independents had a tough time in London but had a good December beyond the capital, particularly in Scotland and Wales. Reports on discounting suggest the season's aggressive marketing of half-price offers may have permanently changed customers' expectations of value but while some independents lost out as a result, many maintained margins. An additional report highlights the independents' fears about the growing gap between rrp and selling price. Cookery and biography hardbacks were the festive bestsellers alongside a few quirky hits; the survey lists the major flops for the chains and independents. Most booksellers reported improvements in distribution despite some glitches and a second year of slow supply from Penguin's warehouse. (Quotes from original text)