Mapping the Bookstore Chains' Business Models. Focus on Innovation

Abstract

The Romanian book market is one of the smallest in Europe, but even under these conditions the entrepreneurial field developed in the post-communist period, as well as some business models are worthy to be subjects of academic researches. The scope of this study is to identify the particularities of the Romanian bookstore chains' business models. For achieving the research objectives, a critical analysis based on the business model canvas has been considered. For the present article three Romanian bookstore chains were selected, being relevant entrepreneurial initiatives. For each bookstore chain was developed a business model canvas followed by short discussions and recommendations. After analyzing the business models, the key findings show that in order to stand out and to remain competitive, reassessing regularly the business models is necessary. Adding new components to the unique selling proposition, enhancing the shopping experience, and designing innovative brick and mortar spaces with additional usage (like coffee shops, playgrounds, or working spaces) are important to surviving in the new business field, the digital one.