Skip to main content

18% of the UK read ebooks

Over in the UK and Ireland it’s World Book Day today, and several survey companies have released recent polling dat about how people read.

Mintel released a report today that showed even though 18% read ebooks, nearly half of the UK (49%) still prefers paper books over digital. The problem with that number, though, is that it’s not clear how many respondents actually buy books on a regular basis. That 49% might be irrelevant so far as the book market is concerned.

E-readers have made significant market penetration in the UK with 8% of adult readers reporting that they owned one. Also, about 5% of adult readers own a tablet.

Mintel’s research also revealed that consumers expected to pay less for ebooks than their printed equivalent, with nearly half (48%) of consumers saying they expect to pay less and just one in five (19%) saying they expect to pay the same. Some 7% of Brits say they expect to pay less then £3, with 28% thinking it should be between £3-£5.99. If these numbers are true, Agency Pricing isn’t going to have much success in the UK.

Bed is the the most popular place for Brits to read , with the majority of all book readers (87%) saying they do so on a regular basis. The next most popular place is on trips (84%), in the living room (78%) and while commuting (64%). Meanwhile, over half (58%) say they regularly read in the garden, 42% while they are waiting to meet someone and 41% when outdoors. Meanwhile the toilet (37%) and the bath (33%) make up the remaining regular reading places.

I think the number of people who read on the toilet is higher, but only few will admit to it.

via Mintel

Similar Articles


Comments


Kathy Devellerez August 1, 2011 um 10:24 pm

I have only just received an ebook as a gift so far I agree I prefer a good book. perhaps time will change me. Seems good to take away.


Write a Comment