Meanwhile, the growth in e-book sales put internet-only retailers ahead on the number of book purchases over the chains and independents last year, Bowker research director Steve Bohme told delegates at the Books & Consumers conference held in London today (29th March).

British consumers bought 344 million books in 2011, spending £2.1bn. The volume number represents a slight rise year on year, according to Bowker, with a 3% fall in the sale of physical books more than made up for by e-book purchases. However, despite an increase of nearly £50m in the total spend on e-books, overall value decreased; and combined with decreases in 2010 and 2009, the cash fall in the market since 2008 adds up to 9%.

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