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| Bookbugs and Dragon Tales also posted a welcome video | |
While indie bookstores worldwide have upped their online game in recent months due to the Covid-19 pandemic, British booksellers Dan and Leanne Fridd, owners of Bookbugs and Dragon Tales in Norwich, are taking things to another level entirely by opening a completely virtual version of the bookshop, "in what its owners are billing a world first," the Bookseller reported. Customers can now tour a 3D version of the shop, which includes e-commerce hyperlinks that pop out of shelves, event information and games.
"While we will enjoy being the first, the idea is that any shop can do it and this is a great solution for people missing or wanting to discover our shop who are not able or comfortable coming in to the physical premises," said Dan Fridd. "I think, but I'm not sure, that this is a world first."
He added that the e-commerce side is designed as an app and every indie currently on Edelweiss Analytics will be able to turn it on, saving them the trouble of setting up a website themselves. Fulfillment is currently direct from the bookshop, but work is underway to integrate with Gardners home delivery.
"This is different and complements Bookshop.org and is not intended as an alternative," Fridd noted. "We as a bookshop are signing up for both. Currently we dispatch the books and keep the full margin. The 3D portion requires someone to come and take the pictures, but it is pretty affordable."
Noting that the store is only a year old, Fridd told the Bookseller he felt it was imperative to prepare in the event of a second lockdown, while also providing access for those unable to shop at the bookstore in person.
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VietnamPlus showcased Mão Bookstore, the oldest bookstore on Hanoi's Dinh Le street, noting: "Nestled quietly in a small attic of an old apartment on Dinh Le street, Hanoi, Mão Bookstore has become a familiar destination for generations of book lovers." The shop, operated by Mr. Le Luy and Mrs. Pham Thi Mao, "attracts many people because of its unique features; ancient, peaceful, poetic and extremely attractive."
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"IT'S HAPPENING!" Australian bookseller the Sun Bookshop, Melbourne, posted on Facebook. "With the announcement that retail can reopen on Wednesday we are busy getting our shelves and selves ready for you to come back into our store! (More updates to come.) In the meantime, have you seen the new addition to our jam-packed window? We're upgrading your window-shopping experience by adding QR codes to our most popular and favorite titles. Simply scan a code with your phone to find a book on our website immediately!" --Robert Gray