Indie Bookshop Turnaround using the Power of Twitter
Posted on in Business News
The Petersfield Bookshop is an independent bookshop based in Petersfield, Hampsire, that experienced an unlikely turnaround in just one night using the power of the internet.
On the 14th of January The Petersfield Bookshop tweeted that they hadn't sold a single book throughout the entire day, estimating that this was the first time this had happened in the hundred years since it opened.
The tweet, posted by Robert Sansom, who has worked for the shop for 13 years, explained that not a single book had been sold all day and included photos of the empty bookshop. After a fortunate retweet from the fantasy and science fiction author Neil Gaiman, the post reached millions. The full tweet can be seen below.
...Tumbleweed...
— Petersfield Bookshop (@The_PBS) January 14, 2020
Not a single book sold today...
£0.00...
We think think this maybe the first time ever...
We know its miserable out but if you'd like to help us out please find our Abebooks offering below, all at 25% off at the moment.... pic.twitter.com/Cn5uhYWw88
Mr Sansom said of the situation:
"It was really touching, people have been so kind. This will really make a difference. There are slow days, but it was a really unusual day for us to have not sold any books - no one wanted to come out because of Storm Brendan."
John Westwood, 56, whose family owns the store, said: "It blows me away. I don't understand social media because I'm old-fashioned, but when Rob called me and told me the figures, I was gobsmacked."
As of today the tweet now has well over 8,000 retweets and over 18,000 likes. The bookshop posted their reaction to the overwhelming response to the tweet.
What a night! We have been completely overwhelmed in a good way.
— Petersfield Bookshop (@The_PBS) January 15, 2020
We have 1,100 new followers.
We have loads of online book orders.
We have over 300 messages, many asking after books. We will answer all as soon as we can, please bear with us
Thank you all so much!
This extraordinary situation is a great example of how consumers are beginning to rally behind high street shops to prevent their closure. The UK's crisis-hit high street has been well-publicised over the last few years meaning that this increased awareness among consumers, combined with initiatives such as Just a Card and the Best Small Shops competition, could indicate a prosperous 2020 for the high street yet.