"Nothing as strange as folk" is very true when you have to try to work things out. Regarding the person who suggested opening and was never seen again. I was once in retail and a guy came in and said why dont you stock "le ronda" and that he would buy them. It was a tray for a slide projector and not something I'd considered buying in, so I ordered a few thinking at least he'd have them if they weren't that popular. He never came in again. And the boxes remained on the shelf until sold off at a loss a year or so later. It was a good lesson.
A couple of chairs, or armchairs, and the chance of a cuppa might tempt folks through the door. Then a passing possibility might become a dead cert buyer. I am guessing you don't have room at the moment. But if it was near to me that would work. I have also noticed that a rack of gorgeous greetings cards can draw me into a shop, maybe charity ones? Once inside, and greeted by a lovely cheery welcome, it helps to find somewhere to sit down and think, "now what was that book I heard about?" I would guess that books don't tend to be impulse buys. They take some thought. Some of us need to sit down while we think about it! Meanwhile, it sounds like your window is doing a great job! If we are ever in T Wells I will definitely pop in!
My friend borrows a wheelchair from her mother for this reason. She is usually helped into the shop into a cosy position and an assistant offers her lots of books and advice. The ‘any chance of a cup of tea…’ is almost always met with success too. I don’t approve of this at all, but she is a very avid reader of crime and says she is just getting into character.
Events ( ie book signings and readings) with wine will entice folk in. Connecting with your community will grt the word out, see if lical schools can send some kids round to sing carols, take a hit and donate a few books the school library to say thank you. Mulled wine and mince pie shopping evenings, etc with a local business doing a wine tasting. Window looks great . Stick a couple of special offers in it as well. You'll likely need to order stock more than once a week once you get nearer to Christmas! If you were closer I would def come in!! I love our local indy Bookshop ( shout out to Atkinson Pryce in Biggar). Loving reading your blogs.
What about a bagpuss maybe?
A shop cat? I'll have a shop puppy when I open my own!
"Nothing as strange as folk" is very true when you have to try to work things out. Regarding the person who suggested opening and was never seen again. I was once in retail and a guy came in and said why dont you stock "le ronda" and that he would buy them. It was a tray for a slide projector and not something I'd considered buying in, so I ordered a few thinking at least he'd have them if they weren't that popular. He never came in again. And the boxes remained on the shelf until sold off at a loss a year or so later. It was a good lesson.
it's all about the lessons, right?
the ones you accidentally teach yourself are the most powerful.
A couple of chairs, or armchairs, and the chance of a cuppa might tempt folks through the door. Then a passing possibility might become a dead cert buyer. I am guessing you don't have room at the moment. But if it was near to me that would work. I have also noticed that a rack of gorgeous greetings cards can draw me into a shop, maybe charity ones? Once inside, and greeted by a lovely cheery welcome, it helps to find somewhere to sit down and think, "now what was that book I heard about?" I would guess that books don't tend to be impulse buys. They take some thought. Some of us need to sit down while we think about it! Meanwhile, it sounds like your window is doing a great job! If we are ever in T Wells I will definitely pop in!
Thank you, hope to see you one day. And yes, definitely some seating will be in place if/when I find my permanent home!
My friend borrows a wheelchair from her mother for this reason. She is usually helped into the shop into a cosy position and an assistant offers her lots of books and advice. The ‘any chance of a cup of tea…’ is almost always met with success too. I don’t approve of this at all, but she is a very avid reader of crime and says she is just getting into character.
oh! that's....er, creative!
I mean she’s out on bail. Her favourite author is Jeffrey Archer.
Love it!
Events ( ie book signings and readings) with wine will entice folk in. Connecting with your community will grt the word out, see if lical schools can send some kids round to sing carols, take a hit and donate a few books the school library to say thank you. Mulled wine and mince pie shopping evenings, etc with a local business doing a wine tasting. Window looks great . Stick a couple of special offers in it as well. You'll likely need to order stock more than once a week once you get nearer to Christmas! If you were closer I would def come in!! I love our local indy Bookshop ( shout out to Atkinson Pryce in Biggar). Loving reading your blogs.
Thanks so much, and so pleased to hear you're enjoying them. These are all great ideas!
That's great!