Trade Sector Report: 2017 First Quarter

In the bookselling world, the first quarter of 2017 remained a tough one, despite pre-cabinet-reshuffle optimism. As the currency rebounded, price increases started to slow down but remained up on the previous year. The slow-down however did not lead to a slow-down in unit sales decline, thereby hitting bottom lines with a double whammy. It all points towards a depressed economy and less disposable income in South African households.

In terms of general trade titles, the quarter was dominated by the new Wilbur Smith, which was heavily discounted by most bookshops. The Christmas success of Trevor Noah’s autobiography and Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s collaboration with the Dalai Lama continued over the period, while fitness star Kayla Itsines took the New Year’s market by storm with The Bikini Body.

Unit sales in all categories were down, with average selling price increases maintained in all categories. The only category with value growth was Children’s Non-Fiction, ironically driven by the highest increase in price.

In the trenches, booksellers were downbeat about the economy, but upbeat about the changing market. The name on everyone’s lips was Dudu Dube, self-published author of the Hlomu the Wife romance trilogy. Exclusive Books sold more than 2000 copies of the three titles in the first quarter, and reportedly could have tripled that if more stock had been available. Peter Adams reported sales in excess of 1000. Her books have hit a nerve with its colloquial language and cliff-hanger formula, and have turned her into a publishing superstar overnight.

The Andy Griffiths tour in February brought some excitement to the trade as well, with many school visits and a great boost to sales. Pan MacMillan reported year-to-date sales of over 10 000 units across his Treehouse series.

On a sad note, the trade had to bid farewell to icon Maria Lastrucci early in April after she lost her battle with cancer. The Phambili team are like family to SA booksellers, and Maria’s loss will be keenly felt. Read about her legacy on page…

(all data kindly provided by SAPnet)