Launched in 2009 by Kate Rogan and Jaci Jenkins, Love Books is located in the popular Bamboo Lifestyle Centre in trendy Melville. Love Books is one of those rare bookstores that is more than just a place to buy books.
Books for adults and children are carefully selected, and the staff know their stuff when it comes to helping customers find the right book or track down a title they are looking for. It’s a comfortable space where book launches are held regularly, book clubs visit, and children can come to story time sessions.
“We wanted a unique, creative space for book lovers with a hand-picked selection of books,” says Rogan. “We have a carefully chosen selection. I do all the buying and I really do buy books that I would like to read. We are small and not mass-market in our approach. Our selection is more upmarket, eclectic and quirky. We are for selective buyers. We also have a warm, inviting atmosphere and staff who know what they’re talking about. To maintain that uniqueness, we will continue what we are doing and come up with new ways of capitalising on the personal service that we provide.”
What do you love most about what you do?
Being able to shop for books almost every day and being in the book industry.
What are the most important lessons you have learnt?
Every cent counts.
What is it like to run a business like yours in your industry?
The book industry is a tough place to be at the moment. But it’s wonderful getting to know customers, meeting authors and dealing with people in the industry. Passion comes first.