Bookstores strive to keep their doors open

As people step through the doors of a bookstore, they look for more than just something to read. They come seeking comfort, a quiet break, or a moment of peace away from a busy day. With little to no time to spare between errands and work, they are often pulled towards neighbourhood shops for more than just books. In this fast-paced world these places offer a space to pause, connect, and recharge within the community.

In the 1970s, local bookstores were a thriving part of communities across British Columbia. Offering not just books, but also collaborations with local organizations, author events, and gathering spaces. But since due to rise of online retailers such as Amazon, and digital reading platforms many local bookstores have closed. Today, while some bookstores continue to serve as vital spots that bring people together, many struggle to stay afloat. During the COVID-19 pandemic, bookstores around the country had experienced significant disruptions, including temporary closures, reducing foot traffic, and supply chain challenges. Even though local support has helped some stores adapt, the community still faces significant hurdles. 

Many local bookstores have closed their doors over the years while others continue to thrive for a variety of reasons. According to James Mullin, the manager of Companion Books, one of the key elements in managing a business is the way you treat your customers—this includes the interactions between staff and shoppers, how concerns are addressed, and creating a welcoming environment can influence customer loyalty and long-term success. Currently in the competitive market, especially one that is heavily impacted by online retailers, consistent and respectful service can make a significant difference in a store’s ability to retain its clientele.

“I think one of the things is the owner’s positive and responsible attitude and choices towards running a business,” Mullin told 8forty. “Remaining true to her [the owner’s] passion of loving books. And at the same time being aware of what the community is lacking and what the community needs and be willing to make positive changes to the bookstore.”  

In navigating her journey of personal growth, she has found a way to embrace change without losing the principles that have always defined her. “She has gone forward with accepting and celebrating being a new bookstore while also improving and remaining a secondhand bookstore.” This is one of the reasons Mullin believes Companion Books is succeeding.

Some bookstores which have opened before or during the effects of Amazon are still staying afloat and have seen what has led other bookstores to close their doors. 43-year-old, Kim Koch from The Paper Hound Bookshop said, “We opened 12 years ago . . . at the point where bookstores have stopped closing, like where the effects of Amazon and Indigo, and all the big bookstores were sort of known.” 

Understanding the situation, they were determined to keep their costs as low as possible. “We focused on operating a really local lean bookstore, like it’s a real shoestring kind of operation,” she told 8forty. “It’s just two of us, we stay hyper local, we don’t have a staff, yeah, we keep our overheads really low.” 

Although the success of Amazon has led to many bookstores going out of business, its popularity has reduced significantly over the years. Today, some people still tend to favor Amazon, but many now choose to shop locally. 

One of the main expenses for any business is the rental cost for their physical space. This is a big part of what has given online retailers such a competitive edge. But brick-and-mortar bookstores are not necessarily turning their back on online sale completely. Bookstores such as Companion Books and The Paperhound Bookshop said they are exploring strategies such as enhancing online platforms. By selling books or eBooks online, bookstores can reach a new customer base beyond their physical location. And with social media also being used to share updates, promote events, and advertise products, help boost online engagement. These digital strategies allow bookstores to keep their doors open while managing overhead expenses associated with rising rental costs.

As screen fatigue grows, more families are turning to books to reconnect with each other. “Parents are learning that actual physical text and time away from some devices are a joy and a pleasure,” said James from Companion Books. “ 

And with books, children and parents can interact together.”

In scenes like this, the role of local bookstores continues to shape itself, page by page.

Cover Image: Paper Hound Books