For the First Time, We Now Know How Many Black-Owned Bookstores Exist in the U.S.

Key Takeaways

• 306 Black-owned bookstores identified nationwide
• Numbers near 1990s peak of 325 stores
• 90% earn under $250k annual revenue
• 36% lack permanent brick‑and‑mortar location
• NAB2 offers first comprehensive Black bookstore directory

Summary

The National Association of Black Bookstores (NAB2) released its inaugural State of the Black Bookstore report, revealing 306 Black‑owned bookstores operating across the United States, nearly matching the 1990s peak of 325. The report also launched a national directory covering brick‑and‑mortar, mobile, and online retailers. While the sector has rebounded since the 2020 BLM surge, 90% of stores generate less than $250,000 in annual revenue and over a third lack a permanent storefront. Founder Kevin Johnson frames the data as a foundation for sustained growth and industry engagement.

Pulse Analysis

The resurgence of Black‑owned bookstores reflects a broader cultural shift that began in the early 2020s, when the Black Lives Matter movement sparked renewed interest in Black authors and narratives. Historically, the 1990s represented a golden era for these independent retailers, buoyed by high‑profile literary figures and Oprah’s book club. However, the rise of Amazon and large chain competitors forced many stores to close, shrinking the landscape to just a few dozen by 2014.

\n\nNAB2’s State of the Black Bookstore report does more than tally locations; it creates a strategic resource for publishers seeking authentic channels to reach Black readers and for investors evaluating underserved market opportunities. The accompanying national directory aggregates brick‑and‑mortar shops, mobile pop‑ups, and online sellers, enabling authors and distributors to target outreach efficiently. \n\nDespite the optimistic numbers, the report underscores persistent challenges: 90% of stores report annual revenues below $250,000, and 36% operate without a permanent physical space.

These constraints limit inventory depth, staffing capacity, and long‑term sustainability. Addressing these gaps will require coordinated support, from grant programs that bolster capital to supply‑chain initiatives that improve wholesale terms for small retailers. As the industry grapples with diversity goals and the demand for culturally resonant content, the data from NAB2 offers a roadmap for building resilient, community‑anchored bookstores that can thrive in a digital‑first marketplace.