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Alternatives to Amazon for book lovers in the cost of living crisis

Amazon's cheap prices and convenience make it a tempting buy for consumers, but there are plenty of alternatives that help local business.

23 Oct 2024 9:00

David Burton

Buying at your local bookshop helps support local business. It's just one of the ways to avoid Amazon.

Writing and Publishing

Amazon dominates the book industry. But there are alternatives. Image: Darwin Vegher, Unsplash.

The arts are undeniably sidelined in a cost of living crisis. While books and publishing are in the middle of a retail renaissance thanks to the rise of BookTok, book buyers have more incentive than ever to buy books cheaply. Online giants such as Amazon benefit the most.

Amazon has a patchy history within the wider publishing industry, but in many ways, it may be credited with a rise in popular reading. There is evidence that Australian retail has fared moderately well in the face of the international giant, but the struggle has been tough.

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David Burton

David Burton is a writer from Meanjin, Brisbane. David also works as a playwright, director and author. He is the playwright of over 30 professionally produced plays. He holds a Doctorate in the Creative Industries.