First-year students from Lianyungang, Jiangsu province read their newly-arrived Chinese textbooks on Sept 1. [Photo/VCG]

September marks the beginning of a new semester. It is also the busy season for Jiangsu Xinhua Distribution Group, which has been in the textbook business for 39 years. 

The group faced difficulties this year, as it was met with a delay in the completion of textbooks, a 12-million-print surge in publishing, and a smaller logistics center with less handling capacity. 

However, experience and preparation paved the way for smooth sailing. As of Aug 25, roughly 40 million textbooks have arrived on time at bookstores across the province. 

Special offers were also available at bookstores, such as discounts, themed exhibitions, and book recommendations. Business peaked on Sept 1 and 2, the first weekend of the new semester, when students and their parents flocked to the stores for school supplies. 

The group's business also extended to various local campuses, rather than being limited to bookstores. 

The Suzhou branch is a perfect example, as it was present at around 20 junior and senior high schools as early as July, satisfying demands of first-year students while saving them the hassle of visiting local bookstores. 

Students from nine colleges and vocational schools in Suzhou also benefited, as more than 300,000 textbooks were delivered to their tables. The books were worth a total of over 10 million yuan ($1.45 million).

A staff member at the Xinhua Bookstore in Huaian, Jiangsu province prepares for the inventory and distribution of textbooks on Aug 26. [Photo/VCG]