Time for bookstores to turn the page

Subsidized industry

The Beijing government has been supporting the industry through subsidies since 2016.

The government gave 18 million yuan to brick-and-mortar bookstores in 2016 and again in 2017. The amount was increased to 50 million yuan in 2018 and passed 100 million yuan last year, which 239 bookstores shared.

Due to the epidemic, the capital's printing and distribution bureau brought forward the support payments to Feb 26 instead of the second half of the year. The authorities are expected to distribute around 100 million yuan to bookstores this year.

The biggest hurdle for bookstores' survival is rent. In previous years, the government handed out subsidies only after rent was paid.

The city government has decided to allocate rent subsidies early this year, so bookstores can cover their rent from March to June. The government has also encouraged landlords to cut rent for the bookstores.

Another form of assistance has seen government officials acting as intermediaries between the bookstores and banks to help solve money problems.

Publishing houses have also been encouraged to assist by helping with the supply and promotion of books and extending payment periods.

Government departments have promoted cooperation between online shopping platforms such as JD and Meituan, to expand sales channels and distribution.

"The physical bookstores are cultural landmarks in the capital, which are spiritual homes for our citizens," said Wang Yefei, head of Beijing's Press and Publication Bureau.