Hive UK
Hive is a British online bookseller offering printed books, eBooks, eAudiobooks and a range of other products, including stationery, games, music and films. Its business model also supports independent bookshops, allowing customers to nominate a participating shop to receive commission from their purchases.
Books, New Releases and Bestsellers
Hive stocks books across a wide range of genres and subjects. Its fiction collection includes crime, thrillers, romance, contemporary literature, science fiction and fantasy. Non-fiction covers subjects such as biography, history, art, photography, cookery, travel, health and lifestyle.
Readers can browse new releases, bestselling titles, forthcoming books and selected recommendations. The website also features children's books, young adult fiction, graphic novels, translated fiction and titles from a range of award-winning authors.
eBooks and Audiobooks
Hive also sells digital books for customers who prefer reading on an electronic device. Its eBook selection includes fiction, non-fiction, children's titles and popular genres such as crime, romance and fantasy.
eAudiobooks provide another way to enjoy books, with collections covering fiction, travel, biography and other subjects. Availability and compatible formats vary by title.
Stationery, Games, Music and Films
Beyond books, Hive sells stationery, board games, CDs, vinyl records, DVDs and Blu-ray releases. Its gift selection includes items for readers and entertainment fans.
This wider product range means customers can order books and other items together. Independent bookshops also receive commission on eligible purchases from these categories.
Supporting Independent Bookshops
Supporting high street bookshops is central to Hive's business model. The website works with hundreds of independent bookshops across the UK, giving them an online presence and a share of sales made through the platform.
Customers can choose a participating bookshop to support when shopping through Hive. The selected shop receives commission from the purchase, even when the order is delivered to the customer's home. For physical book orders, the commission starts at 10% of the net order value, with higher rates available when customers choose collection from a participating shop.
Hive also provides a bookshop finder where shoppers can search for participating independent retailers by location and check their opening hours.
UK Delivery and Bookshop Collection
Hive delivers to UK addresses, with standard second-class delivery costing £1.99 or free on orders over £20. In-stock items generally arrive within two to three working days after dispatch. Faster first-class and tracked delivery services are also available at additional cost.
Customers can choose free collection from a participating Hive network bookshop. Orders are usually ready within three to five working days after dispatch, and the selected shop sends an email when the items are ready. Collection shops normally hold orders for up to 28 days.
Hive accepts returns within 30 days, provided items meet its return conditions. Customers changing their mind are responsible for return postage, while downloaded eBooks and eAudiobooks cannot be returned or refunded. Check the current returns policy for full details.
How Hive Started
Hive launched in 2011 with the aim of helping independent bookshops compete in online retail. Established by book wholesaler Gardners, the website was developed to combine the convenience of online shopping with a way for independent retailers to benefit from digital sales.
Rather than operating as a conventional chain of bookshops, Hive works with a UK-wide network of independent stores. Its online catalogue, home delivery and collection services give customers different ways to shop while directing commission to participating high street bookshops.
Disclaimer: FindShops is an independent online shopping directory and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Hive. Brand names and trademarks belong to their respective owners. Product availability, prices, delivery charges and return policies may change. Please visit the official Hive website for current information.