THE ORGANISATION that represents Scottish book publishers has blamed “aggressive” sales tactics of supermarkets for difficulties in the market.

The Scottish Publishers Association hit out at retailers such as Tesco and Asda for selling best-sellers at a tiny profit, or even at a loss, as a marketing tool.

Director Lorraine Fannin said the attitude to literature is forcing large booksellers to economise, represents a threat to independents and makes it difficult for new authors to break through.

She spoke in the wake of renewed concern about the British book industry as international book giant Borders announced it is considering selling its UK operation.

If the sale goes ahead it could have a knock-on effect for the 50 staff at its Dundee store.

Ms Fannin added, “The market is very tricky at the moment.

“The big supermarkets are driving up the margins for booksellers.

“Borders seem to be going through a process of retrenchment to focus on its American operation.

“The book market in America is not great at the moment—it’s tough out there and it’s tough over here, too.

“Waterstones have also just announced a reduction in their stores in terms of square-footage of floor space, and it’s only a few months after they bought out Ottakar’s so there is a sense that they are buying up the opposition to close them down.

“However, our particular worry is about the behaviour of the big supermarkets and the effect that they’re having on the book market.

“You could say they are having the same effect on everything, but if Tesco control the book market it would be very sad and quite dangerous for the market as a whole.

“It’s a crazy world that the supermarkets are living in and the way they are marketing books is totally aimed at squeezing out the opposition.

“If people are buying the Harry Potters and other best-sellers in supermarkets they’re not being exposed to the wider range of literature that’s available.”

A Tesco spokesman said, “The retail sector is very competitive and there is plenty of room for all to survive in this buoyant market.

“Our books are competitively-priced and attract customers who want access to a wide range of great value products in a convenient way.”

Borders is exploring “new strategic alternatives” around the world as part of a business review aimed at improving the performance of its US operation.

The alternative could mean a sale of UK stores, it said, but could involve a re-franchising or re-licensing of its UK shops.

Borders’ overseas arm, of which 70% lies in Britain, made losses of $500,000 (£254,000) in the year to February 3, compared with profits of $11.9m (£6m) in the previous year.

A week ago HMV, parent firm of Waterstones, issued a profit warning on the back of falling sales.

It has led to a review of the viability of around 10% of its UK shops and could threaten one or both of its Dundee shops.