Since the beginning of deconfinement, the bookstores have not been empty. "May is like Christmas" is what is said in the corridors of one of the biggest French publishers. After two months with activity reduced by 75-80%, the book market is finally breathing. Attracted by new products, customers fill up after emptying their library. "It was a real pleasure to reopen, we were waiting for it. In three weeks, we did the equivalent of a full month of May," says Didier, manager of the La 25ème heure bookstore in the 15th arrondissement. from Paris.
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In the aisles of the bookstore, redesigned to facilitate social distancing, customers are in a hurry even in the middle of the afternoon, usually off-peak hours. "I'm not looking for anything specific, I just get inspired, find new books quite simply. We're taking advantage of the reopening of bookstores for that," explains Sonia. With her companion, she strolls around the shop. "During confinement, I started reading poetry to sleep better in the evening, it relaxes. So, here we are going to buy an anthology of French poetry that we found. It is really a pleasure to be able to read the back cover, it makes you want. Nothing replaces the pleasure of walking in the bookstore, "smiles this assiduous reader.
Musso, Dicker, Le Carré… the acclaimed stars
At the cash desk, Christophe, one of the employees, receives orders. "As soon as it reopened, customers arrived with lists of books. It doesn't stop!", He explains. For his part, Didier, the manager, continues to advise clients eager for discoveries. "We will never recover the two months of closure but we find enthusiasm. We had a great month of May," he savored. "Above all, what we see with pleasure is that the readers have not forgotten us, that we have not been replaced by other players in the book market."
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Unsurprisingly, these are the best-sellers whose release was postponed at the start of the deconfinement that boost sales: La vie est un roman , by Guillaume Musso, The enigma of room 622, by Joël Dicker, La Vallée , by Bernard Minier or Return of service , the last thriller of John Le Carré. Perhaps as a result of confinement reflections, personal development books are also popular. As a result, there are so many orders that deliveries are struggling to keep pace. Nothing to worry Didier: "The customers are patient. It's the price of glory!"