Cost of Books Rises for Canadians in 2025
In the ever-evolving world of literature, e-book prices in Canada have been on the rise since 2012, according to various reports. This trend continues in 2025, with several factors contributing to the increase.
Publishers have been a significant driving force behind the price hikes. Adjusting their strategies to maintain profitability amid changes in demand and distribution channels, they have been gradually increasing e-book prices in Canada. The emergence of digital retail models, such as those introduced by Bookshop.org, which recently expanded to Canada, might also influence pricing structures through commissions to local indie bookstores and the development of dedicated e-readers.
Other contributing factors include the limited competition and market dominance of e-book platforms like Kobo in Canada, which dictates pricing on popular titles. Inflation and currency effects, the specialized nature of digital rights management and distribution infrastructure, and higher import costs, potentially due to tariffs, are also impacting digital goods pricing indirectly through operational costs.
Consumers in Canada tend to pay more for e-books due to fewer alternatives for cheaper options, unlike in some other countries where library lending or alternative services may provide more access options.
Indigo Books and Music, a popular Canadian bookstore, marks down hardcovers by 20% a couple of weeks after a book's release, but the same e-book maintains its original price. Once e-book prices go up, they tend not to come down.
Despite the rising costs, the preference for audiobooks continues to rise, with 15% of readers choosing this format in 2024, up from 8% in 2020. Interestingly, half of Canadian readers are interested in knowing where books are printed or shipped from.
The reading habits of Canadians have also evolved. In 2024, 45% of readers read between one and five books, 29% read or listened to 6-11 books, and 19% read or listened to 12-49 books. More readers chose books within their budget in 2024 (46%) compared to 2023 (44%).
Michael Kozlowski, an expert on audiobooks, e-books, and e-readers, lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. He provides valuable insights into these trends through his extensive research and analysis.
References:
- The Bookseller
- Yahoo Finance
- BookNet Canada Survey
- Indigo Books and Music
- Publishers Weekly
The growing popularity of dedicated e-readers, like those offered by Bookshop.org in its Canadian expansion, could potentially influence the pricing structure of e-books in the home-and-garden, lifestyle, books, and entertainment sectors. As Michael Kozlowski, an expert on audiobooks, e-books, and e-readers based in Canada, reported, the trend of increasing e-book prices in Canada continues, impacting consumers' reading lifestyle. Despite the escalating costs, a significant portion of Canadians, approximately half, are interested in understanding where their books are printed or shipped from, indicating a shift in book consumption towards a more mindful and budget-conscious lifestyle.
