• As of 2021, Waterstones’ revenue was recorded at $318.63 million.
• This was a yearly decrease of 38.60% and the worst performing year within a 5 year period for the retailer.
• Lockdowns affecting physical stores alongside further disruptions are estimated to be the cause of the decline.
• In total, Waterstones’ revenues have shown a total 40.49% decrease since 2017.
• Waterstones registered revenues from the UK at $314.05 million as of FY 2021.
• 98.56% of total revenue for the year was from the UK segment.
• For the rest of the world, Waterstones recorded $4.58 million revenue.
• This segment represented 1.44% of total revenue for the year.
• As of 2021, Waterstones’ gross profit fell to $35.85 million.
• A YoY decrease of 41.50% was recorded for the FY.

Waterstones revenue

• Waterstones’ revenue sank to $318.63 million as of 2021.
• 2021 was a YoY decrease of 38.60% and Waterstones’ worst performing year for the period.
• Waterstones’ revenue showed a total 40.49% decrease for the timeframe.
• FY 2018 represents the highest yearly revenue at $513.01 million for the company within the given data.
• Waterstones anticipates in-store sales to remain below pre-Covid levels as of FY 2022.
• Alongside continued online sales growth, Waterstones forecasts improvement on the pre-pandemic period for 2022-23.

Year	(£ million)	($ million)	Change
2021	230.89	318.63	– 38.60%
2020	376.02	481.31	– 4.27%
2019	392.78	502.76	+ 1.83%
2018	385.72	513.01	– 0.58%
2017	387.97	500.48

A graphical representation of Waterstones’ annual revenue is given below:

Waterstones revenue by location

UK

• Waterstones registered revenues from the UK at $314.05 million as of FY 2021.
• This represents 98.56% of total revenue for the year.
• Year-on-year this shows a reduction of 39.28%.

Year	(£ million)	($ million)	Change
2021	227.57	314.05	– 39.28%
2020	374.76	479.69

A graphical representation of Waterstones’ UK revenue is given below:

Rest of world

• Waterstones registered revenues from the rest of the world at $4.58 million as of FY 2021.
• This represents 1.44% of Waterstones’ total revenue for the year.
• Year-on-year, this shows an increase of 161.42%.

Year	(£ million)	($ million)	Change
2021	3.32	4.58	+ 161.42%
2020	1.27	1.63

A graphical representation of Waterstones’ rest of world revenue is given below:

Waterstones gross profit

• Waterstones’ gross profit fell to $35.85 million as of 2021.
• This shows a year-on-year decrease of 41.50%.
• Gross profit increased yearly from 2017 until 2021’s sharp decline.
• For the given period, Waterstones’ gross profit showed a total decrease of 33.67%.
• The highest recorded revenue for Waterstones during the given period was $56.84 million in 2020.

Year	(£ million)	($ million)	Change
2021	25.98	35.85	– 41.50%
2020	44.41	56.84	+ 2.14%
2019	43.48	55.65	+ 10.66%
2018	39.29	52.26	+ 0.31%
2017	39.17	50.53

A graphical representation of Waterstones gross profit is given below:

Waterstones company information

• Waterstones operates stores in 311 locations as of 2022.
• Its shops are mainly located within the UK, in addition to running stores in nearby countries.
• As of 2014, Waterstones employed around 3.500 members of staff.
• Waterstones implements a bookseller development programme. 
• The programme is focused on continued career progression by focusing on sales proficiency.

Waterstones FAQ

Who founded Waterstones?

• Waterstones was founded by Tim Waterstone in 1982 after he took a redundancy pay package of £6000 from WHSmith.

Who owns Waterstones?

• The parent company of Waterstones is Elliott Investment Management, an American investment management organization.

Where is the flagship store of Waterstones?

• The flagship store of Waterstones is situated on Piccadilly, London and is the largest store within the company estate.

Has Waterstones acquired any other businesses?

• Waterstones’ key acquisitions include Dillons, Ottakar’s, Books Etc, Foyles and Blackwell’s.

Do Waterstones sell signed books?

• Waterstones sell both signed and special edition collectible copies, which include exclusive content.