Based on estimates, the sales at the 29th Tehran International Book Fair (TIBF) crossed $25 million on Wednesday, (May 11), the eighth day of the fair, Amir Masoud Shahramnia, deputy of the exhibition told a press conference at the venue, Shar-e-Aftab (Sun City) International Exhibition.
The main concern of organizers and publishers before the fair opened on May 3 was the public attendance (due to the new location 20 km south of Tehran unlike the previous venue at Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla which was within the city); however, their worries disappeared shortly after the opening as people’s reception was no less enthusiastic than before, Mehr News Agency reported.
“We thought there would be 20% to 30% less visitors before the start of the fair. But fortunately the public response was more than expected. So not only there was no decrease in the numbers but our field and statistical surveys show an increase of approximately 40% visitors,” Shahramnia said.
Referring to the approximate value of book sales, he said, “By Wednesday noon, $12.5 million is sales was registered via the POS (point of sale) terminals, which shows a 15% increase compared to last year.”
Further, if the cash transactions of the same amount are added, it is estimated that the overall sales grossed $25 million. The sale of digital books and products was not included.
Pointing to the problems the fair encountered especially during its first days such as power failure and overcrowding in some parts, he said as the days passed the problems were addressed and publishers and people alike expressed satisfaction.
With the motto ‘Tomorrow is Too Late to Read’, the 29th TIBF concludes today (May 14).
It is estimated that by the end of the event over one million people will have visited the fair and the sales will reach $30 million. Although the huge number of visitors was a real surprise to everyone, even book fans themselves, the increase in sales can be attributed to the high cost of the books and not necessarily a rise in the numbers sold.
