Koti Book Market Footfall Drops by Half as Hyderabad Schools Mandate Specific Stores

The historic book market in Koti, Hyderabad, has experienced a significant decline in footfall and textbook sales during the current academic school season, continuing a downward trend that has lasted for over a decade. Local bookstall owners report that market footfall has dropped by nearly half in recent years, largely because schools increasingly mandate that parents purchase complete book sets from specific publisher-linked stores rather than independent sellers.

For decades, the beginning of the academic season drew crowds of parents and students to the lanes of Koti to buy new and second-hand textbooks. However, local sellers like Ranjeet Gunjote, who runs a long-standing family bookstall, say the lists of required titles rarely show up now. Gunjote noted that he still has unsold books from previous school seasons on his shelves, stating that while they were once the go-to place for students, they have now become a last choice.

The shift is felt across the entire market. Mohd. Asif Ahmed, who has worked at Star Book Center in Koti for over twenty years, noted that many customers now choose to order books online for cheaper prices and faster delivery. Additionally, the shift toward digital materials has impacted sales. Higher education students, such as medical students at Osmania Medical College, increasingly carry study materials as PDFs on electronic devices rather than purchasing heavy physical textbooks.

To survive the changing market dynamics, some Koti booksellers have adapted by diversifying their offerings. While some have transitioned to selling stationery, others have moved online. Mohd. Ali, who has operated Best Book Center since 1984, launched a website for his store and partnered with Amazon to stay updated and reach customers digitally.

Despite the challenges, the market continues to serve a vital role for certain groups. Civil services aspirants preparing for the UPSC often visit the stalls to avoid digital distractions, seeking advice directly from shopkeepers like Ahmed. Furthermore, Koti remains an essential resource for families without easy access to smartphones or digital platforms, who rely on second-hand books at half price.