Okay, so here’s the thing—everybody’s online these days, right? Like, glued to phones, bingeing shows, scrolling for hours. So when someone says, “Hey, I’m thinking of opening a bookstore business,” most folks just stare. Like—what? Why?
But here’s the wild part: bookstores aren’t dying. Not even close. They’re actually kind of… cool again?
There’s just something about a bookstore. That cozy, paper-scented vibe? The peaceful silence? That feeling of picking up a book you weren’t even looking for and thinking, “Yep, this is coming home with me.” You don’t get that from a Kindle.
It’s not just about the books—it’s the experience, the escape, the human connection. And in a world that’s going full-speed digital, people are recraving analogue magic.
So… Is Opening a Bookstore Still Profitable?
Honestly? Yes. If you do it smartly.
Look, you’re not gonna out-Amazon Amazon. But that’s not the game here. The bookstores that are killing it right now are the ones that feel like home. They’ve got community vibes, quirky shelves, author events, maybe even a café on the side. And they’re making money—real money—doing it.
It’s not passive income, it’s not some get-rich-quick thing. But if you love books, and people, and the idea of creating something warm and local and a little bit magical… this business might just be your thing.
Who’s Bookstore Business Really For?
Not everyone. Let’s be real.
But—if you’re the kind of person who gets excited just arranging your bookshelf, if you read blurbs like they’re back-of-the-box cereal, or if your dream Saturday involves a blanket, coffee, and a 400-pager… this might be for you.
Also great for:
- Teachers and librarians who wanna do something slower-paced, but still meaningful.
- Retirees who finally wanna run that cute little bookshop they always daydreamed about.
- Young folks tired of the corporate treadmill who want to build something real, from scratch.
Honestly? Anyone who’s tired of everything being online and wants to create a space where people can just… be.
Market Opportunity & Trends
So here’s the truth—yeah, online is big. eBooks, Amazon, all that jazz. But bookstores? They’re still very much alive. You just gotta play it differently now.
Here’s What’s Up in the Book World:
- People are craving real stuff again. Real paper, real conversation, real shelves they can browse with a latte in hand.
- Used books? Huge right now. Especially in college towns or among folks trying to cut down on waste (or just save a few bucks).
- Niche bookstores are winning. Like, there’s a market for just poetry. Or just queer literature. Or a cozy spot filled with fantasy, horror, and dark academia aesthetics.
- Book cafés are everywhere now. Think shelves, coffee, plants, soft music, comfy chairs—and readers who don’t wanna leave.
Some Quick Stats—If You Like the Numbers
- U.S. publishing = around $26 billion a year (yep, billion).
- Indie bookstores? Up 35% over the past decade.
- And guess what—Gen Z and Millennials? They’re buying more print books than you’d expect. Physical books are a whole aesthetic for them.
According to this report, the global books market is a large and growing industry. It is valued at USD 150.99 billion in 2024 and projected to reach USD 192.12 billion by 2030
Types of Bookstores You Can Start
Alright, let’s talk options. There’s no “one way” to open a bookstore anymore. Forget the chain-store blueprint. This is about personality and knowing your people.
Here’s a bunch of ways to do it—pick what clicks with you:
A. The Classic Indie Bookstore
This one’s got a little bit of everything—fiction, memoirs, thrillers, cookbooks, travel, poetry, that random shelf of weird stuff in the back. The goal? Make it feel like a treasure hunt.
Great for: Local communities, artsy neighborhoods, places where people still love a good browse.
B. The Used Book Nook
Honestly? People love secondhand books. The smell, the scribbles in the margins, the fact that it’s like $4 instead of $18. Plus, sourcing inventory is cheaper (and often free if you ask around!).
Perfect for: College towns, eco-friendly areas, and book lovers on a budget.
C. The Kiddo Spot (Children’s Bookstore)
Think colorful shelves, beanbags, story time on Saturdays, and maybe a bubble machine if you’re feeling extra. Parents love spaces like this—and they spend.
Best near: Schools, libraries, family-friendly suburbs.
D. The Spiritual Spot
From Bible study guides to mindfulness journals, this kind of store serves a very loyal audience. You can even stock candles, incense, and inspirational gifts.
Works well in: Church-heavy towns, quiet suburbs, near retreat centers.
E. The Comic & Fandom Cave
Manga, graphic novels, vintage comics, collectible figurines—throw in a gaming night or a cosplay contest, and you’ve got a community that sticks around.
Best for: Urban areas, college hubs, fandom-fueled towns.
F. The Campus Bookstore (With a Twist)
Textbooks, exam prep, supplies, plus maybe a little lounge area with snacks. You could even do textbook rentals or a buyback program to keep it flowing.
Great near: Universities, community colleges, tutoring centers.
G. The Book Café Combo
Books + Coffee = Heaven. No lie, this model works. You don’t need to build Starbucks 2.0—just good coffee, comfy chairs, soft lights, and maybe a cat (okay, optional).
Best in: Downtown, arts districts, anywhere with chill foot traffic.
8. Go Full Digital (Online Bookstore)
Not into foot traffic or inventory storage? No problem. Build an eCommerce store. Pick a niche—like horror books, self-help, or indie authors—and run it from your laptop. Heck, you can even do print-on-demand.
Ideal for: Homebodies, solo founders, or tech-savvy book nerds.
What You’ll Need (Skills-wise) to Start a Bookstore Business
Okay, truth bomb: running a bookstore isn’t just about reading books all day with a cat on your lap. (Though… that can happen occasionally.) There’s a bit more to it.
Here’s the stuff that’ll come in handy:
- Love for books – Obvious, right? But it helps if you genuinely enjoy reading, recommending titles, and discovering new authors.
- People skills – You’ll talk to customers. A lot. Some will ask for obscure book titles from the ’70s that they don’t remember the names of. Patience is your friend.
- Basic business know-how – Inventory, pricing, ordering, returns… yeah, it’s not rocket science, but you’ve gotta stay organized.
- Marketing chops – Social media, local ads, maybe even a newsletter. You’ll need to spread the word, or nobody’s showing up.
- Community mindset – Want people to come back? Make your space feel like their space. Host stuff. Talk to regulars. Remember names.
If all that sounds manageable—and even fun—you’re in a good spot.
Build a Bookstore Business Plan
Writing a business plan sounds like homework. But it’s the blueprint for everything. And trust me, if you’re putting in money (or trying to get some), you’ll want a plan.
Here’s what it should include (keep it scrappy, but solid):
- Your “Why” – Why a bookstore? Why now? Why you?
- Target market – Who are you selling to? Students? Parents? Fantasy geeks? Retired poets?
- What makes you different – Niche, vibe, events, unique selection—this is your hook.
- Startup costs – List everything (we’ll go into that in the next section).
- Pricing strategy – Will you do discount racks? Membership perks? Bundle deals?
- Revenue goals – What does “profit” look like for you? Be real here.
- Marketing plan – How you’ll get people in the door (or onto your website).
- Breakeven point – How many books do you have to sell just to not lose money?
Don’t overthink it. Even a few pages written with clarity can go a long way.
Legal Stuff & Paperwork (It’s Boring… But Important)
Alright, deep breath. Let’s talk red tape.
Every business in the U.S.—yes, even your dreamy book nook—needs some basic paperwork. Here’s what you’ll likely need:
- Business license – From your city or county. Usually easy to apply for online.
- Seller’s permit / Sales tax ID – So you can collect sales tax (yay, government).
- Federal EIN (Employer Identification Number) – Get it free from the IRS website. You’ll need this for opening a business bank account.
- Business structure – Sole proprietorship, LLC, or partnership? If you’re solo, LLC is a safe bet (and protects your personal assets).
- Liability insurance – Optional, but smart in case someone trips over a stack of poetry books.
- Sign permits/zoning – If you have a physical location, check local zoning rules and signage laws.
Not fun. But once it’s done, it’s done. You’re officially in business, baby.
What It Costs to Start a Bookstore (Let’s Talk Real Numbers)
Okay, money talk. Let’s break down what you’re looking at to open a physical bookstore in the U.S. These numbers can vary a lot depending on location, size, and setup—but here’s a ballpark:
Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
Store lease/rent (first 3 mo.) | $3,000 – $10,000+ |
Shelving & furniture | $2,000 – $5,000 |
Initial book inventory | $5,000 – $20,000 |
Point-of-sale system | $500 – $1,500 |
Business licenses & legal | $300 – $1,000 |
Branding & signage | $500 – $2,000 |
Website & online store | $300 – $1,500 |
Marketing/launch event | $500 – $2,000 |
Staff (optional) | $2,000+/month per employee |
Total ballpark: Anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000 to get off the ground.
You can do it for less—especially with a small space or if you go online-only—but be ready to hustle and DIY a lot.
How to Fund It Without Breaking the Bank
Not sitting on $25K? No worries—here are a few ways to pull together funding:
- Personal savings – Most people start here. Risky, but clean.
- Friends & family – Crowdfunding your dream shop with those who believe in you.
- Small business loan – Check with local banks or credit unions; SBA loans are solid if you qualify.
- Grants – Some communities offer small business grants, especially for women, minorities, or rural entrepreneurs.
- Kickstarter or GoFundMe – A well-told story and a pretty bookstore concept can attract real backers.
Tip: Start small. Prove your concept with a pop-up, book fair booth, or even Instagram sales, then grow from there.
How to Get People in the Door (aka Marketing 101)
You’ve built it… but will they come?
Only if you make some noise. Here’s what works for bookstores:
- Social media – Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. BookTok is HUGE. Show your shelves, staff picks, and cozy corners.
- Email newsletter – Yes, people still read these. Send monthly picks, upcoming events, and book reviews.
- Local events – Author readings, poetry nights, book clubs, trivia nights, story hours for kids.
- Loyalty programs – “Buy 10 books, get 1 free” punch cards still work like magic.
- Collaborations – Partner with local cafés, artists, or schools.
- Google My Business – Set this up and ask for reviews. It helps with local search big time.
Oh, and don’t be afraid to get a little weird. A midnight horror reading by candlelight? A romance-themed Galentine’s Day event? Do it. People love stuff like that.
Common Mistakes to Avoid (Seriously, Learn From These)
Let’s face it—we all mess up sometimes. But if you can dodge these common bookstore blunders, you’ll save yourself a lot of stress (and cash).
❌ Overstocking from Day One
Buying way too many books before you even know what your customers like? Huge mistake. You’ll tie up all your money in inventory that just sits there, looking pretty (and dusty).
👉 Start lean. Watch what sells. Then reorder smart.
❌ Choosing a Bad Location
Look, the coziest, dreamiest shop doesn’t mean much if nobody can find it. That cheap space in the back alley might save you $500/month—but it might also kill your foot traffic.
👉 Visibility matters. Parking matters. Location really matters.
❌ Trying to Please Everyone
A little bit of everything = a lot of nothing. Bookstores that go too broad often lose their identity. You can’t compete with Amazon on selection.
👉 Find your niche. Romance lovers? Poetry nerds? Graphic novel geeks? Go all in.
❌ Neglecting Marketing
You can have the best bookstore in the world, but if nobody hears about it… Well, crickets.
👉 Be loud online. Host events. Build community. The more you engage, the more they return.
❌ Thinking It’s All About Books
It’s not. It’s about people. Relationships. Conversations. Energy. That’s what keeps indie bookstores alive.
👉 Smile, chat, make it feel like home. The books are just the beginning.
Real Indie Bookstore Success Stories (For a Little Inspiration)
Need proof this dream is doable? Let’s look at a couple of indie heroes:
📚 Books Are Magic – Brooklyn, NY
Started by author Emma Straub and her husband, this cozy shop isn’t just a bookstore—it’s a literary community hub. Events almost every week, thoughtful staff picks, and that iconic pink storefront? Total magic.
Why it works: It’s local, stylish, and deeply human. Plus, they’ve nailed Instagram.
📚 The Raven Book Store – Lawrence, KS
A small indie shop in Kansas that’s made waves nationwide. Known for their political reads, staff personality, and hilarious social media presence.
Why it works: Strong voice, thoughtful curation, and a genuine relationship with their community.
📚 Women & Children First – Chicago, IL
An LGBTQ+ and feminist-focused bookstore that’s been running since the 1970s. They’ve outlasted big chains and thrived by staying true to their values.
Why it works: Clear mission, loyal audience, and deep-rooted community ties.
FAQs About Starting a Bookstore Business
Can you make money running a bookstore?
Yes—but it’s not passive income. If you curate well, build a loyal customer base, and market smart, you can absolutely turn a profit. Expect slow and steady—not instant riches.
How many books do I need to start?
Honestly? You can start with as few as 500–1,000 titles. It’s about curation, not quantity. Your shelves don’t have to be full—just intentional.
Do I need experience to start?
Nope! Passion and curiosity matter more. That said, basic business knowledge helps a ton—so read up or find a mentor.
What about online bookstores—are they better?
Not better, just different. Lower overhead, but higher competition. If you’re tech-savvy and good at marketing, it can work great. But you’ll miss that face-to-face magic.
Can I run a bookstore part-time?
Totally. Lots of people start with weekend hours or pop-ups before going full-time. It’s a great way to test the waters.
Final Thoughts (aka You Still With Me?)
Starting a bookstore isn’t easy—but it’s one of the most soul-satisfying businesses you can run. You’re not just selling books; you’re creating a space people come to relax, learn, connect, and escape.
Will every day be packed? Probably not. Will it take time to build momentum? Absolutely. But if you’re passionate, patient, and just a little scrappy. You can make this dream work.

Editorial Team at 99BusinessIdeas is a team of experts led by Rupak Chakrabarty with over 25 years of experience in starting and running small businesses. Started in 2010, 99BusinessIdeas is now one of the largest free small business resources in the industry.