Consolidation And Changing Consumer Preferences Impact The Structure And Future Of The Publishing Industry

Abstract

The publishing industry has experienced several changes that have had a major impact on its business. There has been considerable consolidation of the publishing houses, significant technological changes, and a shift in consumer opinions regarding textbooks. This has put a strain on the publishers’ supply chain, as well as their ability to compete in the marketplace. The cannibalization of sales within a publisher’s product mix has led to even more strain in extending product life cycles. The combination of students questioning the value of textbooks combined with decreasing profit margins has left many publishers struggling to survive.