Market observers note a surge in Russians buying used books through online platforms. The report, drawn from major news outlets and Russian retailers, highlights a notable shift toward second-hand titles in the past year.
Analysts describe a clear uptick in second-hand book sales during the first half of the year when compared with the same period a year earlier. The trend points to growing consumer interest in affordable literature and a broader willingness to buy pre-owned titles through digital marketplaces. This shift is reflected in industry coverage and retailer disclosures (Kommersant, cited).
Data from the Ozone market indicates that growth in the used-book segment during the first half of 2023 approached 38 percent, while demand for used books in classifieds rose by about 24 percent overall. These figures suggest a robust demand for second-hand literature across multiple channels, including marketplace portals and classified networks (industry sources, cited).
A separate study of consumer purchases shows that sales of second-hand books on the Wildberries platform increased by roughly 300 percent from January to September. The company attributed the spike to a broader product range and a higher number of active sellers contributing to catalog depth (retailer communications, cited). Avito likewise reported a 24 percent year-over-year rise in second-hand book sales during the first half of the year, underscoring sustained interest in affordable reading options (platform update, cited).
City-wide cultural events also reflect the rebound in reading and book exchange. In Moscow, May brought announcements of a new book festival inspired by the vibrant atmosphere of the city’s literary scene and the popularity of second-hand and independent bookshops (event coverage, cited).
There are also memorable local institutions that celebrate the value of second-hand literature. One enduring bookstore, promoted as a place where discarded books can gain a new life, continues to resonate with readers seeking affordable titles and environmental stewardship through reuse (community story, cited).