What is the state of Luxembourg’s libraries and bookshops? Which ones have kept going, and how has time treated them?
We will be answering these questions in a new summer series that will look at Luxembourg’s small bookshops. We’ll be taking you through the various stores, what they have to offer and how they differ from each other.
The bookshop, selling books (naturally), but also stationery and toys, opened in Wiltz back in April. The store is run and managed by two women of the same name, one going by Chris, the other by Tina. Having met in the bookstore across the road - Libo - which recently closed down, it seemed obvious that the next step was to open their own, independent bookshop.
The store does not only hold books, and is one of a number of shops that have taken their business to the next level in order to adjust to the times. ChrisTina’s shop is home to bookcases and other furniture that has been renovated, reused and restored in Atelier Klimbim. If you see anything that tickles your fancy, you might be able to claim your own!
People’s purchasing behaviour has changed a lot over the last years: how does this impact bookshops? How do they need to adapt to these changes? How can they continue to attract customers?
These are the questions the second half of our bookstore series aims to tackle.
Most bookshops no longer just sell books: they have expanded their range of merchandise. Niederanven’s Bicherhaischen has chosen to provide for the country’s youngest generations, selling children’s books, toys and handicraft items. Laurence Hilger explains:
Hilger explains that they decided to include toys and playthings because it seemed like a natural complement to books. It means that, for those who aren’t so keen on reading, there were always other options available. Books could also always be gifted as presents.
Back in the city centre, Alinea’s main focus still revolves around books, with readings and dedications having been on the programme for years. However the shop’s new manager Elmira Najafi has already begun to expand the shop’s appeal by initiating a number of concerts and Live-Painting sessions (with Eric Mangen).
Najafi reveals that this change has the aim of moving younger people away from online purchase only, to propel them towards coming in and asking about specific items. It’s about them getting used to the store helping them find the right book, show them other items of interest and discover new things. Najafi’s next project is to start a Poetry Slam event, a venture that should appeal to both old and new clients alike.
She remembers an internship at a bookstore in Germany that combined books and baking. She thought it was a great idea at the time, and had always wanted to follow in its footsteps, and the dream has come true. Diderich is proud to have established a café that is bright and infuses the atmosphere with a sense of easy, quiet timelessness. It’s a space where people can come and take time for themselves.
Mayor Laurent Zeimet goes into more detail relating to the social aspect that the commune and the Cent shore looks to merge together. By selling secondhand books, it provides the option to give books a second chance at a new home, and at very affordable prices. Buying your books here constitutes a good deed on multiple levels! Prices range between 1 and 15 Euros.
