Staying positive...
It’s a difficult time for every one of us at the moment, with each day bringing its ups, and indeed downs… but the love for indie bookshops has been a real boost for us here at OB.
We’ve had lots of encouraging comments via social media, seen huge flexibility and support from our incredible suppliers, gratefully accepted offers of help from our team of brilliant volunteers, and been blown away by our loyal customers keeping the OB tills ringing.
We’ve also had some lovely feedback from our investors, as they have been contacting us offering to extend their loanstock time periods. Our investors are the reason October Books has been part of the Southampton landscape for over 40 years. We cannot overstate how much their input means to us. Some of them have allowed us to share their words…
'Congratulations on all the work you have been doing to create and develop this wonderful community venture. I hope things are not blown too far off course by the current health crisis' Anon
'It was touching that you took the trouble to deliver the letter by hand. We are so lucky that you are such a presence in our community . We all need to support you to show our gratitude. I can imagine that life is about to get even tougher for you and I think your ideas about home deliveries and a happy book promotions are great!' Hilary J
''when I've been in, the premises seem much more suitable, and your range of events are impressive - I just wish I had time to get to them...' Rev Dr Sarah Hall
'Not that I have been much involved but I am really impressed by the transformation of the shop and into a community space. That building still has wonderful potential.' Mark Hancock
A big thank you to every single one of you, your warm words mean tons. We can’t wait to open the doors of our bookshop and community space to the public again, when it is safe to do so, and look forward to seeing you.
If you’re struggling today, here are some great suggestions from the wonderful folks at Positive News for keeping your cool and spreading the love whilst times are hard.
Team OB xx
