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Penguin and Random House came together in 2013 to form the world’s leading and first truly global book-publishing company. Our social impact programmes work to break down barriers to reading and widen access to books, and we work with talent across the creative spectrum to connect with more readers than ever before.
THE SHORTLIST
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TRADE AWARDS Book Retailer of the Year
In another challenging year for high streets and bookselling, Waterstones bucked the trend by growing the volume as well as value of its sales. The chain excelled across the genre spectrum. In fiction, it showed its power to create big
bestsellers from scratch, including debuts like Lucy Steeds’ The Artist, its Book of the Year. It was even more impressive in the challenging non-fiction market, investing in range, staff training and a new Book of the Month. On the children’s side, it launched the new Waterstones Children’s Book Festival and ran free virtual events for hundreds of schools. Those events were among a remarkable 8,500 that stores hosted last year – 30% more than
in 2024. They grew out of excellent partnerships with publishers, notably smaller presses. “Waterstones are a joy to work with – creative, innovative, flexible and responsive,” said one. Unlike most high-street brands, Waterstones was on the front foot in 2025, launching a dozen
new stores and refurbishing others, with more in the pipeline. Despite all the disruption to retail, the judges saw that Waterstones doubled down on the bookselling principles that have served it so well. “While Waterstones is a chain, it makes every branch feel like an independent bookseller,” the panel said. “The passion for books shines through.”
This shortlist includes the winners of Independent Bookshop of the Year and Children’s Bookseller of the Year.
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ALEX SEGRE/SHUTTERSTOCK
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