Lagardère responds to criticism over book selection

Lagardère Travel Retail France has addressed concerns about book selections in Relay stores, particularly at the Lyon train station, where the removal of free book orders is set for November 1, 2026. The company attributes the change to the need to harmonize its tools and notes that only a small number of stores still use the affected software, Tite Live.

Autonomy of book orders to be removed

Employees at the Relay store in Lyon train station previously had the ability to order books outside the national selection, including feminist and anticapitalist texts. This autonomy will be removed on November 1, when access to the Tite Live order tool is eliminated. Lagardère confirms the change but denies it reflects a disengagement from books.

Tite Live software’s history

Tite Live, a software used by fewer than 20 Relay stores, was originally used when the Swiss bookstore chain Payot was part of the Lagardère group. Payot left the group in 2014. Lagardère says the need for direct customer requests no longer exists and that the software is still used by independent bookstores and in other projects.

Books represent a small share of sales

Lagardère emphasizes that Relay is not a bookstore and has never claimed to be one. It is described as a network of stores offering various products suited to transport locations. Books make up about 3% of Relay’s turnover, though at Lyon station, literary activity generated one million euros in 2025 despite reduced space for books and newspapers.

Book selections have sparked controversy

Book selections have been at the center of several controversies. Last June, Relay canceled an order for about 400 copies of a book on Bernard Arnault, which was criticized by Arnaud Nourry, president of the Nouveaux Éditeurs. Relay cited commercial considerations. An investigation noted the presence of conservative or far-right essays in train stations but found counterexamples.

Centralized book selection process

Lagardère claims a fully centralized system for book cataloging, with decisions made by a specialized management team based on factors such as national distribution, availability, and stock levels. Store managers follow the brand’s commercial policy, and the company refers to its charter of pluralism and non-discrimination, adopted in July.

Cataloging criteria and limitations

The charter specifies that books printed in at least 10,000 copies and present in at least 90 stores are prioritized. Books with smaller print runs can be cataloged after discussion with publishers but without guaranteed minimum setup. Lagardère states that the decision to catalog a book does not reflect on its quality or editorial interest.

Future of local book orders and diversity concerns

The removal of local book orders raises questions about how employees will complete the national selection, especially for publications from small publishers. The debate extends beyond Lagardère’s internal policies, with groups like Alternatiba and the League of Professional Authors calling for greater diversity in book offerings and more independent bookstores in train stations.

Ownership and operational structure

Relay stores in train stations are operated by Lagardère & Connexions, a joint venture between Lagardère Travel Retail and SNCF Gares & Connexions. The company states it is fully in control of Relay’s commercial strategy, though it shares its plans with SNCF. The contract does not require a minimum space or turnover for books or other product categories.