Bookshop.org, which is pitched as an ethical alternative to Amazon that supports independent bookshops, is launching a new audiobook offer.

It says that customers will be able to buy and listen to audiobooks on one platform, while financially supporting indie bookshops in their fight against Amazon (who owns Audible). Audiobooks will be available to buy on a subscription model priced at £12.99 per credit/month.

To promote the launch, audiobook listening stations will be installed in eight bookshops across the country as a pilot programme. The biggest of these will be in Real Magic Books in Wendover (Aylesbury), where the listening station will be signposted by an mural installation by artist and graphic designer Craig Oldham, created especially for the occasion.

Carl Gosling and Sophie Green, from Real Magic Books says: “It is fantastic that our customers will be able to use Bookshop.org for audiobooks, we’re asked about it all the time. Audiobook-loving Real Magic regulars want to be able to come in the shop, browse and use our enthusiasm and recommendations to inform their next audiobook choice. We want all audiobook users to feel fully part of our community and to be able to shop ethically on the high street. It is a huge win for independent bookshops.”

Andy Rossiter, from Rossiter Books comments: “We are delighted the audiobook option has been added to the offering on Bookshop.org. The ‘anytime, anywhere’ nature of listening to audiobooks is really appealing and the market is growing rapidly. Having them added to Bookshop.org is a great way to get more people into more books and to give indie booksellers access to this expanding market.” 

Rosamund de la Hey, from The Main Street Trading Company adds: “As an indie bookseller and huge fan of listening as well as reading, it’s wonderful news that our online partner, Bookshop.org, are launching audiobooks.”

Nicole Vanderbilt, Managing Director of Bookshop.org UK, says: “We’re excited to be launching a whole new product that offers a significant, and importantly, regular revenue stream for independent bookshops. Audiobooks have become such an important part of the way we tell stories and a vital part of the book industry's growth. We are excited to give the 30% of readers who have listened to an audiobook in the last year a better way to buy their audiobooks: there's no reason for them to turn to Amazon now! With our new subscription service, indie bookshops benefit from every credit purchased.”

2026 RTIH Innovation Awards

Independent retailers will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.

Check out our 2025 winners here.

Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”

“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”

He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”

Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.