Emma Pritchard, Clarence Valley Independent
Her sign says it all.
Smiling graciously underneath her face mask, Manager of The Book Warehouse in Grafton Jess Wood is continuing to welcome customers to the local business in Prince Street.
Despite the state-wide lockdown, the popular store remains open with several Clarence Valley residents utilising the convenience of click and collect and placing phone orders.
And Ms Wood is extremely thankful to the community for their ongoing support.
“A lot of our regular customers are still coming and supporting us, and we’re also seeing a steady flow of online orders and inquiries from parents searching for school books and study material,” she said.
“A lot of people have also been using our click and collect service which we established last year during the first lockdown, and that’s been really encouraging because it helps us to keep the doors open.
“It’s also good to know customers are using our website and people know that we are still open.”
As the state-wide lockdown continues, Ms Wood said she has seen an increase in the number of people purchasing books as the community searches for refreshing ways to keep their minds happily occupied during these challenging times.
New release fiction has proven to be especially popular with Ms Wood reporting a recent surge in sales.
“There is such a variety of books available, and you can read anything these days,” she said.
“Books offer an escape from everything that is happening around you, and I think people just want to focus on different things at the moment.
“I like reading Australian fiction because I find they’re more relatable, and there’s a lot to choose from.”
Along with click and collect and phone orders, The Book Warehouse also offer free local delivery to Grafton, South Grafton, Clarenza and Junction Hill.
“There is no minimum order required,” Ms Wood confirmed.
“It’s an extra service we’re happy to provide.”
The Book Warehouse in Grafton is currently open between 9am – 3:30pm Monday to Friday.
Please visit www.thebwh.com or call 66 425 187 for further inquiries and phone orders.
“We really appreciate the support from our local community during these times,” Ms Wood said.
This article appeared in Clarence Valley Independent, 8 September 2021.
