Recently, young people are willing to visit bookstores with unique characteristics so that they can take photos and post them on their social media accounts like Instagram.

Generally, those stores have unique interior decoration, and some have even created their culture to develop an unassailable position in market competition.

This business model has become a practical way of survival for brick-and-mortar bookstores that have been facing a challenge from e-commerce for a long time with their disadvantages in pricing and convenience.

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) epidemic worsened the situation for them.

While some doubt whether it is the right way for the development of bookstores, it is undeniable that their popularity has brought them many young people striving for fresh experiences and trendy items. And multiple services have expanded their income, supporting them in maintaining operation and supplying good books.

Today, many shopping malls want to include Internet-famous stores, offering them a low rent due to their influence. That is a good sign for the development of physical bookstores.

This is an edited excerpt of an article originally published in Beijing Youth Daily on January 27

(Print Edition Title: Revival of Bookstores)