Sheffield bookshop joins scheme to encourage shoppers to buy from independents

A Sheffield bookshop is among 150 across the UK who have come together to try to create a support network to help independent shops compete with retail giants this Christmas.
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La Biblioteka is an independent bookshop in Sheffield’s city centre.

Owner Alex Maxwell recently decided to join a new online scheme named Bookshop.org which is hoping to give small book shops a chance against the industry’s biggest competitor, Amazon.

La Biblioteka is now part of a new project that aims to get people to shop with independent book shops.La Biblioteka is now part of a new project that aims to get people to shop with independent book shops.
La Biblioteka is now part of a new project that aims to get people to shop with independent book shops.
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“We’re open to every channel that helps us increase revenue.

“The early stats suggest that this is a positive move for us.”

Bookshop.org is allowing smaller businesses to sell their books on their online platform which after a tough year due to Covid-19 is very welcome news.

With many bookshops struggling and the run up to Christmas on the way this new scheme will hopefully bring comfort to business owners.

Inside La Biblioteka - independent bookshop.Inside La Biblioteka - independent bookshop.
Inside La Biblioteka - independent bookshop.
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The project to support independent book shops originally started over in the USA but now 150 businesses in the UK have signed up.

“More traditional bookshops don’t necessarily have websites so this is a great way for them to get themselves out there,” Alex said.

“One of the best things about it is that when someone uses the new website they are notified of the closest independent bookshops to where they live in the hopes that in the future they will visit in person.”

Alex Maxwell, owner of La Biblioteka.Alex Maxwell, owner of La Biblioteka.
Alex Maxwell, owner of La Biblioteka.
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As an independent bookshop owner he wants the cultural benefits of shops like his to continue.

“La Biblioteka started as an urban project with the aim to make Sheffield just a little bit better.

“We have a wide audience of engaged people who take part in events and form a community hub.”

Alex says that he has had sales from across the UK since La Biblioteka joined the scheme.

“I’m generally optimistic about the project,” he added.

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“I hope it helps us reach a wider audience and it gets more people inside indie bookshops.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.