Upcoming Trade Shows Munich, Germany for Books

Munich’s rich literary traditions continue to thrive in the face of modern challenges, preserving the city's unique and vibrant book publishing landscape. A network of over 3,000 independent bookshops forms the backbone of Munich’s reading culture according to data from 2001 – a number that has fluctuated over the course of the last two decades due to the rise of e-books and audiobooks. These establishments maintain their vitality through a strictly enforced fixed sales price agreement that prevents large-scale price discounts, ensuring a level playing field for both retail giants and specialty shops. One of the prominent figures in Munich’s book-selling arena is Hugendubel, known for its sprawling book superstore in Marienplatz. Their presence coexists harmoniously with niche retailers like Lehmkuhl in Schwabing, a beloved place for literary enthusiasts seeking high-quality publications in various genres from history to design-focused works. This marketplace ethos prioritizes books that meet the highest Teutonic production standards. Yet, Munich's unique approach to book commerce faces challenges from German-speaking online retailers located beyond national borders. These internet-based booksellers are willing to undercut local prices with discounts of up to 20%, posing a substantial threat to the existing ecosystem. In the realm of book publishing, Munich has witnessed a decline in the number of independent publishing houses. A similar trend echoes throughout Germany, resulting in 25 fewer independent publishers across the country within a year. Despite this landscape, there are those companies that manage to preserve and continue their tradition. One such example is C.H. Beck. In the hands of its original owners since 1763, C.H. Beck operates with two divisions: law and general books. They have also expanded their horizons by introducing two new lists – a thriving science list with 200 titles and a fast-growing fiction list that is reshaping the face of the company and bringing in new crowds.