CANADA—According to Deloitte’s annual TMT predictions, sales of print books will account for 80% of books sold in the developed world—despite the fact that e-readers, smartphones and tablets are everywhere.

Currently in its 14th year, TMT predictions provides an outlook on the 10 most important trends for Canada in the technology, media and telecommunications industry for the next 12 to 18 months.



Whereas 18-34 year olds would rather download music and movies, the demographic is just as attached to printed books as older generations. According to the survey, the smell and the fact that others can see what they’re reading are contributing factors.

The staying power of printed books seems to coincide with the decline in brick-and-mortar bookstores—which have been disappearing over the last decade to the tune of 50%, altering the dynamics of the publishing industry.