Gibert group's judicial restructuring hearing

On October 26, 2026, a hearing was held at the Paris Economic Activities Tribunal regarding the judicial restructuring of the Gibert group. The administrators requested a postponement to December 7, citing unreliable information provided by the management, including financial projections used for analysis. The hearing aimed to assess whether the six-month observation period should be extended.

Employees express concerns and management avoids responsibility

During the hearing, the representative of the staff noted that the same findings had been shared with other parties involved in the process. For the first time, the management’s responsibility was directly questioned. A new analysis will be commissioned, but the employees remain anxious due to ongoing job cuts and reduced hours amid high inflation. Attempts to contact the management were unsuccessful.

Logistics issues and store closures

Within the framework of a "transformation plan," the Gibert group announced the closure of several stores, including the Barbès location, scheduled for the end of October. Other stores have been liquidated as they failed to find buyers. These closures come amid logistical challenges, including disruptions in the supply of new books since outsourcing to ID Logistics.

Swiss acquisition and employment continuity

In Switzerland, Orell Füssli Thalia acquired the Schoch paper mill in Winterthour, which has operated since 1882. The ten employees will retain their jobs, and the current owner, Karin Schoch, will support the transition until February 2027. The acquisition adds to the Swiss group’s network of businesses.

Relay bookstore and editorial choices

Lagardère Travel Retail France defended its decision to remove free book orders at the Relay station in Lyon, citing software harmonization and the need to maintain the brand's presence in books. However, the decision has raised questions about the consequences of this reorganization, especially in light of controversies over editorial choices.

Bookstore closures and protests

In Madrid, the Pérgamo bookstore, which has operated since 1946, will close its historical location in November due to lease non-renewal. Meanwhile, bookstores across Europe are facing increasing pressure, with some considering whether to open or close amid rising social unrest and vandalism.

Independent bookstores in Argentina

In Argentina, independent bookstores are in crisis, with a 41.5% drop in real turnover between 2023 and 2026. The federation FALPA has declared the sector in a state of emergency and is calling for government intervention. Rising costs and declining sales are compounding the challenges for local bookstores.

French cooperative bookstores network

In France, 56 cooperative bookstores are preparing to create a national network, with the first National Meetings scheduled in Montpellier. The event aims to bring together professionals and volunteers to discuss the future of independent bookstores and collective strategies for survival.

New bookstore openings

The LirandCo brand is set to open a new bookstore in Montélimar, featuring nearly 25,000 references and a tea shop. Meanwhile, in Aixe-Sur-Vienne, the Librairie d'Elfes is undergoing judicial restructuring, and in Saumur, Violet's Bookshop is opening as a bookstore-café with a focus on romance and fantasy.

Bookstores and mental health

In the United Kingdom, a YouGov survey found that nine out of ten visitors to bookstores reported improved mood after visiting. This finding supports calls for reduced local taxation for bookstores, highlighting their role in community well-being.

Bookstores and social movements

In the United States, eight independent bookstores are warning about the potential impact of Trump's anti-terrorism policy on their operations. Meanwhile, in France, bookstores are preparing for a strike on September 8 to push for better wages and working conditions during annual negotiations.

Bookstores and cultural initiatives

In Canada, the Poetry in Transit program, which has featured poetry on buses since 1996, faces funding cuts. In Bulgaria, ancient manuscripts are displayed for a short period, while in the United States, a federal court ruled that school board members must answer for books removed from libraries, marking a procedural victory for free speech advocates.