Welcome to another post in our series on how retailers are responding and adapting to measures put in place due to COVID-19. Today, we’re featuring our interview with Evelyn Gillespie from Laughing Oyster Book Shop!
Laughing Oyster Book Shop is a community based independent bookstore offering a generous selection of fiction, non-fiction, and children's books. The store is locally owned and operated out of the heart of Downtown Courtenay, BC. They regularly host events featuring local and visiting authors, including hosting an annual Book Club night in October, featuring staff recommendations for your Book Club's year ahead!
1. How have you adapted your business in response to COVID-19? Are there particular initiatives that you’d like to share?
We have really beefed up our Facebook and website communications, taken all the safety precautions, and installed a new music system. (This makes our staff happier!)
2. Will you continue with any of these initiatives or business practices when brick-and-mortar bookstores reopen to customers?
We've been open to the public since June 1, 2020 – and we’re getting better at regulating the in-store traffic. It is, however, stressful, so we’re working on being very clear about the required protocols without exception. In September 2020 we’ll offer shopping by appointment outside of our public hours.
3. Have you noticed a shift in book-buying habits amongst your customers?
We have sold a lot of backlist books. I think that people are taking the opportunity to read books they have always intended to but never got around to. And we have sold a lot of what we’d call “comfort" books; people wanting to calm themselves by returning to familiar favourites.
4. Have you experimented with new tools or technologies during COVID-19? Do you anticipate continuing to use these?
Yes! We’ve ramped up our social media presence, increasing our usage of both Facebook and Instagram. We do intend to continue to use these in the future as the reception has been great so far.
5. What is your biggest takeaway from working as a bookseller while physical-distancing measures have been in place?
Our customers have been so grateful we’re here for them and able to get them the books they wanted. Given that libraries and schools were closed, and there were no theatrical or cultural events, people were very keen to access reading and resource materials. We have, once again, been reassured that Canadians value the physical book and their local booksellers.
BONUS: Are there indie booksellers or small publishers in Canada who are doing interesting stuff that you’d like to recognize?
We’re beginning to see author events organized by publishers and booksellers (Munro's is doing an event with Thomas King) and expect to see more of this.
Looking to support independent retailers in your area? Rocky Mountain Books' publisher, Don Gorman, has created a map of indie booksellers across Canada who are currently offering delivery and / or curbside pickup.
Got a story about how your organization has responded to COVID-19? We want to hear from you! Please fill out this short questionnaire.
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