We had always envisioned a space that would offer more than a retail experience -- hence, our first incarnation not only stocked books, it also had a gallery where we displayed art and photography exhibitions, hosted performances, from open mic nights, true storytelling sessions to author events and public talks. (We're awfully proud of what we've tried to achieve -- you can check out our past events and exhibitions here.)
In our current premises, it has proven more difficult to generate a sense of community -- for example, we no longer host regular community group sessions, fortnightly children storytelling mornings, local councillor advice surgeries or frequent writing groups; we have even had to cancel several literary events for lack of attendance. These signs do not bode well for longevity and sustainability as an indie bookshop that prides itself on providing 'experiences that one seldom encounters in a bookshop' -- a mission we've set ourselves and carried from our first store.
Financially, we've been doing a lot better, thanks to our many new regulars, supporters and fans. For that, we are eternally grateful. Sure, Shivaun and I still haven't earned a bean yet, but at least most months we've been able to pay the bills. That said, we must face the undeniable fact that we're making more from our cafe operations than from our book stock. On a personal level, this had yielded several firsts. E.g. I have come to learn that I could potentially have a career as a caterer :) It has been quite exciting to introduce lunch-goers in the Bankside area to my homecooked fare, including the Malaysian 'national dish' nasi lemak (coconut milk rice served with curry, crispy ikan bilis fish, sambal chilli jam, cucumber slices and fried peanuts.) We have also taken part in a food market. From that experience, I learnt I had the capacity to cook and serve up to 60 portions!
Back in Bermondsey, we had more book buyers among our customers; in Bankside, a lot more coffee drinkers and lunch regulars. This situation makes me think of something Rob of Shortwave Cinema at Bermondsey said when I bumped into him quite recently. He asked how things were, and I told him that if only we had the kind of book sales we achieved at our Bermondsey premises plus the kind of cafe sales we have been making at Bankside, we would be sorted. He said, "So different, but same?" How true!
Shivaun and I have thought very long and hard as to whether we want to accommodate this difference (by way of W&T's offerings) and also sameness (just making it but not substantially enough to have something to write home about). Given that we are now more adept at reading the signs -- at least I'd like to think we've learnt some lessons since we ventured into bookselling as novices in 2010 -- and all the signs suggest that there is little scope in the immediate future for W&T to emerge as a successful indie bookshop-cum-literary and community hub, we have come to the conclusion that it's time to pack it in. We can keep rolling that boulder up the hill but this is turning out to be a Greek mythology of sorts -- Herculean efforts required in the face of Sisyphus-ish (or is it Sisyphusian?) obstacles. On a personal level, and I can only speak for myself, I don't have the resilience or endurance required. Perhaps in another 3 to 5 years, conditions in Bankside may be different, what with more residential properties popping up around here. Maybe someone, more intrepid and with deeper pockets, will reap more fruitful rewards in the future.
To end, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our regulars, customers, supporters and friends again. Without your support and words of encouragement, we wouldn't have had the adventures we've had -- not once, but twice. I would also like to thank my teammates -- almost all of whom have been with us from our Bermondsey days -- for sticking with us through thick and thin, the ups and downs, and who have taken on the challenge and the journey with us. Without you all, W&T would not have been possible.
Merry Christmas! May 2014 bring joy, happiness, success and wonderful new experiences!
Best wishes,
Fran
PS. Our 'Last Minute Christmas Sales' will begin on Saturday 21 Dec 2014 from 12pm to 5pm, with limited trading hours on Monday 23rd Dec and Tuesday 24th Dec from 12pm-3pm, 5pm to 7pm. There will be extra discounts on those days!
PPS. We will be taking a break from 25 Dec 2013 to 5 Jan 2014. Our 'Closing Down Sales' begins on Monday 6 Jan 2014.
PPPS. We will be having a 'Closing Down Party' soon; watch out for the invite in your inbox!