Since its entry into the Indian market in June 2013, online giant Amazon has rapidly entrenched itself in English and Hindi language publications, placing a heavy burden of competition on traditional brick and mortar bookstores.
“The problem with Amazon is that they are supposed to be a platform; instead they are working as a store,” said Vinay Kalro, co-owner of Gangarams Book Bureau. “But we can’t necessarily blame them for the pressure they are placing on traditional bookstores. Amazon is doing its best to get into the market; the government, however, is not adhering to rules and regulations. Their policy is tilted in favour of the e-commerce giants.”
Many booksellers in Bengaluru expressed reservations about the growing impact of Amazon’s bookstore dominance over the marketplace, although most attempted to put on a brave face. Krishna Gowda, the owner of Bookworm, told DH that Amazon has had no effect on his store, primarily because Bookworm has continued to turn a profit when it comes to the sales of second-hand books.
“What Amazon does is offer a discount on its top 300 titles, but 90% of book wares on their website have no discount at all, and this is an area where traditional bookstores have an advantage because we offer a 35% discount on all titles,” Gowda said.
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