Broken promises and empty shelves 

Independent bookstores in New Zealand face significant supply chain vulnerabilities, highlighted by the chaotic release of the highly anticipated novel *A Court of Splintered Harmony*. While chain retailers secured stock for midnight launches, independent shops suffered delays, forcing them to rely on local stock-sharing to fulfill pre-orders. This disparity stems from a post-COVID shift to sea freight, which creates unpredictable delivery timelines and prevents small retailers from competing with the scale of major distributors. Industry experts, including bookstore owner Ruby Wallace and Booksellers Association board member Brenda Channer, emphasize that these logistical failures threaten the viability of independent shops. With future releases approaching, the industry is demanding greater accountability and guaranteed delivery windows from major publishers to ensure a level playing field and maintain the community-focused model that defines independent bookselling.