As the Covid-19 pandemic slowly draws to a close, we’re taking stock of some of the changes it’s caused—to downtown Boston, the secondhand book business, and, especially, the Brattle. Differences at the shop run deeper than masked employees and plexiglass barriers: after a disastrous first year, we’re busier than ever before, and our new customers tend to be younger and more diverse. A revised book-buying policy has cut down on conflict, and we’ve renewed our focus on in-person shopping, keeping many of the better books offline. Some of the most important changes at the shop have to do with not being there: prioritizing family, travel, and work/life balance. We talk about it all on today’s “new normal” episode of the #brattlecast.
Brattlecast #140 - The Power of Instagram
Something interesting is happening: the Brattle’s traditional demographic of bookish older men (No offense! We love you!) is being edged out by younger, more diverse, and dare we say, hipper customers. Why? Our photogenic outdoor sale lot has become popular on Instagram, creating a cycle of visits, alfresco shopping selfies, likes, organic advertising, and more visits. We’ll talk about the ways that this social media-driven shift is changing the shop, and the irony of an ultramodern communication network luring people back into the arms of dusty old books, on this potentially viral #brattlecast.
Brattlecast #108 - Viability of Owning a Bookstore
Is it still viable to own a bookstore in 2021? Essentially yes, as long as you don’t have dust allergies, back or knee injuries, or a burning ambition to become fantastically wealthy by owning a bookstore. People getting into the book trade these days tend to open smaller, more specialized shops; some sell exclusively online, and some even have a full time job and sell books as a hobby. Today we’ll talk about the ways that the industry is changing, and Ken will divulge some of his secrets to bookselling success. Fortunately there’s still an audience for physical media, people still enjoy the experience of browsing, and online shopping is no substitute for the rich, idiosyncratic atmosphere that a good bookshop can provide.
As things open up again, we’d like to encourage our listeners to visit our shop at 9 West Street in Downtown Boston to see this and thousands of other fascinating items!
Brattlecast #77 - We're Back!
After weathering months of pandemic-related closure and weeks of civil unrest, the Brattle is thrilled to be back in business! In this episode we’ll talk about our plans for reopening slowly, safely, and with cautious optimism. At first, only the outdoor sale lot will be open, stocked with plenty of fabulous new markdowns from inside the shop with masks and hand sanitizer for everyone. It’s been a difficult time but there’s a lot to be excited about in the new-normal future: people are reading more, Ken is able to give virtual lectures to audiences around the world, and, on a personal note, he’s now a grandfather! You can learn more about our reopening plans at: http://www.brattlebookshop.com/open. We are so looking forward to seeing you all again.