In Irkutsk, the only used book store, Bukinist, increased sales by 10 percent this year, demand for inexpensive books is growing, likely because of the financial crisis. After moving near the bus station, the store became even more popular, suburban bus passengers often buy books for the trip. Bukinist operates without profit, and its social role is especially important for people with limited means.
There is only one second-hand bookstore in our city - "Bukinist". This year, sales there have increased by 10%. The growing demand for second-hand books is most likely related to the financial crisis. Prices at “Bukinist” are 4-5 times lower than in other bookstores in the city.In addition, in February 2008 the store changed its address and moved from Litvinov Street to the bus station area, which also affected the increase in the number of customers. After all, most of the store’s visitors are suburban bus passengers who buy books for the road.
However, despite the increase in consumer demand, "Bukinist" does not make a profit, operating on a self-sustaining basis (the store’s expenses for organizing sales match the income received from selling books). For example, out of 100 books accepted for sale, only 80 are sold, and 20 books are returned to their owners.
At present, the area of "Bukinist" is about twice as large as the store’s former premises on Litvinov Street. With the expansion of the store’s space, its book collection has also grown. The store’s staff consists of Irkutsk book experts who have worked there for more than 35 years. "Bukinist" also holds off-site sales at Irkutsk State University and at Baikal State University of Economics and Law. According to Natalya Burdonova, director of the Irkutsk Cultural Foundation, the work of the second-hand bookstore has important social significance, as it makes it possible for people with limited financial means, including the poor, to buy books at reduced prices. She believes that such stores should be in every district of Irkutsk.