Book, Periodical, and Newspaper Merchant Wholesalers — Business Survival Rate

An estimated 66% of book, periodical, and newspaper merchant wholesalers businesses survive their first 5 years, based on U.S. Census Bureau Business Dynamics Statistics. The annual business closure rate is 8.0%.

66%
5-Year Survival Rate
+0.8%
Net Growth Rate
18,688
Total Firms
1,601
Annual Firm Deaths

Is Book, Periodical, and Newspaper Merchant Wholesalers a Good Business to Start?

With a 66% five-year survival rate, book, periodical, and newspaper merchant wholesalers has an above-average survival rate compared to the national average of roughly 50%. This makes it a relatively safe industry to enter — businesses here tend to find stable demand and sustainable economics.

The annual exit rate of 8.0% is lower than many sectors, suggesting that once established, these businesses have staying power. That said, lower failure rates often correlate with higher barriers to entry or established competition.

Entry vs. Exit Rates

Annual rate of new businesses opening versus existing businesses closing.

Entry Rate (new businesses)8.2%
Exit Rate (closures)8.0%

Net positive: more businesses opening than closing (+0.2 pp spread).

Job Creation & Destruction

11.9%
Job Creation Rate
11.1%
Job Destruction Rate
+0.8%
Net Job Growth

The industry is adding jobs faster than losing them — a positive sign for both workers and new business owners looking to hire. Total employment: 329,385 workers across 18,688 firms.

Want to know how much book, periodical, and newspaper merchant wholesalers businesses actually make?

See full revenue benchmarks for Book, Periodical, and Newspaper Merchant Wholesalers →

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of book, periodical, and newspaper merchant wholesalers businesses fail?
Approximately 34% of book, periodical, and newspaper merchant wholesalers businesses fail within their first 5 years. The annual closure rate is 8.0%, with 1,601 firms closing permanently in 2023.
Is the book, periodical, and newspaper merchant wholesalers industry growing or shrinking?
The book, periodical, and newspaper merchant wholesalers industry is currently stable with a net job creation rate of +0.8% per year. New businesses are entering at 8.2% while 8.0% close annually.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Business Dynamics Statistics (2023). Survival rate estimated from annual exit rates.