Retailer margins, which previously stood between 20 % and 25 %, have dropped this year to a range between 10 % and 15 %. According to professional organisations, this decrease stems from modifications made to the specifications applicable to textbook publishers. The League of Booksellers of Morocco indicates that this new configuration weakens bookstores directly, particularly because certain publishers now have the option to sell books directly to consumers at the printed price.
Distribution Challenges and Supply Shortages
Supply difficulties are affecting establishments involved in the pioneer schools program. According to professional data, out of 18 titles intended for primary levels, 12 were available by mid-August, while six remained unavailable despite an impression and importation campaign launched in March. The National Association of Moroccan Booksellers noted that several references remain absent from the market, and that the priority given by certain publishers to pioneer schools materials delayed the release of other titles. Hassan Al-Moatassem, president of the National Association of Moroccan Booksellers, stated that available pioneer schools titles represent between 70 % and 80 % of the total, leaving more than 20 % absent from the market.
Did You Know? Ahead of the academic year, the cost of school materials can reach 400 to 500 dirhams per child in public schools, while families in certain private institutions using imported books priced between 250 and 600 dirhams per unit face bills climbing up to 4.000 dirhams.
Commercial Pressures and Demands Sent to Authorities
The League of Booksellers of Morocco has denounced commercial practices such as the resale of certain textbooks above printed prices and the tying of textbook sales to the simultaneous purchase of school supplies. To address these pressures, professionals have addressed two formal letters to authorities. The first letter, sent to the Ministry of the Interior, addresses street sales, while the second was transmitted to the Ministry of National Education, Preschool and Sports to request a revision of the regulatory specifications.
How will these distribution changes and pricing pressures affect your local bookstore choices this season?
Worth a look