Bookstores struggle to fill shelves after cyber attack on major publisher
A cyber attack on one of Australia's major publishing distributors has left independent bookstores and authors struggling to meet customer demand.
Independent bookstores in Australia are struggling to meet customer demands following a cyber attack on one of the country's largest book distributors six weeks ago. The attack, which targeted Alliance Distribution Services (ADS), a subsidiary of Hachette Australia, has left authors and bookshops unable to fill their shelves ahead of the busy Christmas trading period.
ADS, which supplies around 15-20% of the books stocked by independent bookstores, was unable to provide sufficient stock for events, causing disruptions to children's author Danielle Binks' plans to visit schools and launch her new book. The incident has affected the entire Australian publishing industry, with authors and booksellers expressing frustration over the lack of clear communication from Hachette.
Hachette Australia has been working to restore its systems and services but has not yet provided a timeline for a full return to normal operations. Independent bookstores have had to resort to alternative sources for books, such as Booktopia or international suppliers, which increases the cost of the books. Authors and booksellers are calling for better communication from Hachette and urging readers to support independent bookstores during these challenging times.
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