ROSSITER Books in Ross-on-Wye is one of the 650 bookshops to share in the £5million profit generated since launch of Bookshop.org, the ethical alternative to Amazon that champions independent bookshops.

The funding is being released during the National Year of Reading, but bookshops are still under pressure, as business rates are set to soar by up to 100 per cent under the government’s new reforms, announced in the autumn 2025 budget and set come into effect in April.

The money earned on Bookshop.org helped bookshops to fund IT updates, expand stock, promotional material and other projects.

Bookshop.org is launching audiobooks this summer, increasing indies’ share in the online book market.

As Bookshop.org’s mission is to support independent bookshops, bolstering their business strategy in the age of ecommerce, the £5million milestone represents a key moment for the book retail industry.

The news comes during the National Year of Reading, the nation-wide campaign aiming to encourage people of all ages to make reading a regular part of their lives. Following the launch of eBooks in 2025, this year Bookshop.org are also set to add a new audiobook offering to their services, further increasing the revenue stream options for brick-and-mortar bookshops.

Andy Rossiter, of Rossiter Books, said: “It’s fantastic news that this significant milestone has been achieved. Bookshop.org delivers us a steady income stream which helps us make regular improvements to our shops.

“It is also great that we can recommend an ethical option for those customers who wish to buy books online.”

Meryl Halls, managing director of the Booksellers Association, said: “At a time when many independent bookshops are grappling with rising costs and the disproportionate impact of business rates reform, additional revenue streams are more important than ever.

“Bookshop.org provides a valuable opportunity for independent bookshops to compete more effectively with global online retailers, while also enabling them to reach readers through digital formats.”