Our Vision
We strive to create a world where the magic of books is within everyone’s reach, sparking imagination, fueling dreams, and enriching lives.
Our Story
Some books pull you in with wonder. Others change the way you see the world. Some simply stay with you long after the last page. That lasting impact is what drives us at Book Depot Inc. and we’re here to help more readers experience it.
For 40 years, we’ve worked with leading publishers to keep books moving. By acquiring their remainders and overstock, we give these titles a second chance to be discovered and loved. This time, at a price that makes them more accessible.
Through a unique combination of wholesale scale, retail reach, and in-house publishing, we help books reach broader audiences every day. From big-box retailers to bedtime readers, we serve every corner of the market.
Whether it’s a personal book haul or a community literacy program, everything we do is rooted in one purpose: to get more books into more hands and more hearts.
Our Journey:
1970s
Founded a small publishing company, translating books into English for immigrant families in Canada.
1985
Entered the bargain book market with the purchase of a property in Jordan, Ontario. Started operating school book fairs.
1988
Established the wholesale division, laying the foundation for long-term growth in the global book market.
1994
Relocated to a 100,000 square-foot facility in St. Catharines, Ontario, marking a key step in operational expansion.
1997
Launched our first direct-to-consumer brand, bookexpress.com, and shortly after introduced bookdepot.com, setting a new B2B standard in the bargain book industry.
2002
Moved into a newly renovated 450,000 square-foot distribution center in Thorold, Ontario, significantly expanding our operational capacity.
2005
Shipped over 10 million units annually for the first time, reflecting rapid growth in the wholesale market.
2011
Completed a major warehouse automation project, adding over a mile of conveyor, a two-level 33,000-square-foot mezzanine, and 20 packing lanes.
2013
Rebranded Book Closeouts as Book Outlet, refreshing the retail store and launching bookoutlet.com—the e-commerce brand readers know and love today.
2015
Introduced the first Bombay Sorter in the bargain book industry, further advancing automation.
2019
Acquired Kidsbooks Publishing, a Chicago-based children’s publisher strengthening our children's publishing portfolio.
2021
Acquired American Book Company, a leading distributor of remainders and bargain books, adding significant scale and logistical capability in Jefferson City, TN.
2025
Kidsbooks Publishing acquires UK-based Out of the Box Publishing Limited, expanding our global footprint and creative capabilities in children's publishing.
Today
We continue to innovate, grow, and set the standard for bargain book distribution worldwide.
