Story perspectives

Waterstones' Sales Surge Amid Controversial Business Rate Changes

1/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

James Daunt, Waterstones chief executive, defended the UK’s business rate changes as benefiting high street retailers.
He said Waterstones' rates would stay stable because decreases in troubled areas offset increases at successful locations.
The Booksellers Association warned reforms could harm small bookshops.
Waterstones reported a 7% sales rise to £565.6 million.
Waterstones plans to open 10 new stores annually and Daunt remained optimistic about a potential IPO.

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Story summary

James Daunt, Waterstones chief executive, defended the UK’s business rate changes as benefiting high street retailers.
He said Waterstones' rates would stay stable because decreases in troubled areas offset increases at successful locations.
The Booksellers Association warned reforms could harm small bookshops.
Waterstones reported a 7% sales rise to £565.6 million.
Waterstones plans to open 10 new stores annually and Daunt remained optimistic about a potential IPO.