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HOW THE ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON IS ADAPTING TO CHANGING RETAIL TRENDS RU EN ES

The Zoological Society of London has been adapting its print distribution model to overcome various challenges that have emerged since the turn of the century. The zoo's primary source of income comes from ticket sales, memberships, donations, sponsorship, and revenue generated through its retail operations. However, one of the significant changes that have occurred is the decreased reliance on brick-and-mortar stores like traditional bookstores and newsstands. In recent years, these outlets have witnessed an alarming decline due to the rise of supermarkets, e-commerce, digital platforms, and online marketplaces. This shift has had a negative impact on Zoo's ability to reach its target audience effectively. It has also led to a decrease in the number of copies sold and ultimately affected accessibility, especially for those who are not able to visit the zoo frequently or live far away. Additionally, the cost of printing and distributing books has increased significantly in recent years due to rising paper prices and production costs. As such, Zoo has explored alternative methods of reaching out to its customers, including partnering with other organizations and institutions. One of the partnerships it formed was with local libraries, which allowed them to offer free access to their publications within the library premises. This initiative helped increase the visibility of their publications while ensuring that they remain accessible to all. The zoo has also experimented with different distribution models, such as mail-order subscriptions, e-books, audio versions, and even direct mail campaigns. These efforts have enabled them to expand their reach beyond physical boundaries and tap into new markets. Nonetheless, there are still challenges that Zoo must overcome, such as competition from free content available online and piracy. Despite these obstacles, Zoo continues to adapt and innovate to ensure that its publications remain relevant and appealing to its readers.: