‘The Weybridge Bookshop’ recently opened on the high street, creating a small uproar amongst independent fanatics.
Despite the personalised naming, it is owned by the illustrious, nation-wide company, ‘Waterstones.’ This corporation has similarly launched five other tailored shops in places across the country in a bid to appeal to those intimidated by overly eager branding. Whilst some are glad to have a larger, more accommodating bookshop in Weybridge, others are outraged in how a large brand has posed as independent. The closure of Weybridge’s sole bookshop of 22 years ‘Weybridge Books’ didn’t go unnoticed in adding to their distaste of the new premises. Waterstones’ new set up is better placed than the shop prior, located in the heart of Weybridge high-street thereby experiencing higher footfall.
It boasts an aesthetic outside which is attracting many new customers who are content with buying from the cosy shop, regardless of the owner. An employee in the shop commented on the importance of the buying experience, “It is important to be able to talk to people who are passionate about what they are doing.” She surmised that Waterstones aren’t using the move as a marketing ploy but to invite people into a more calming place with a ‘closer to home’ feel.
‘The Weybridge Bookshop’ is open every day and has replaced and expanded the older shop, hopefully to be accepted by the residents of Weybridge as atmospherically independent.
By Charlotte Lambert St George's Weybridge
