Page 75 of Bea's Book Wagon
‘Well, I was hoping I could pick your brain, if that’s okay? I’ve just opened a mobile bookshop and I want to get my online store and subscription service up and running soon. I’m selling book-themed gifts as well, and I was thinking…’
‘Who better to ask than someone who runs a gift shop?’
‘Well, yes, exactly,’ Bea laughed.
‘Happy to help,’ said Anya, smiling broadly. ‘What do you want to know?’
‘There are so many things to choose from, it’s hard to know where to start, really. Plus, I don’t want to step on your toes and sell anything that you already stock here.’
‘Well, that’s really kind of you to even think about, so thank you. Not everyone would consider that,’ said Anya, gratefully.
‘So, do you sell anything bookish here?’
‘Only the bookmarks,’ said Anya, pointing to a carousel by the door. ‘But they’re quite popular, particularly the animal ones.’
‘These are cute!’ said Bea, picking up one covered in kittens.
‘And we’ve got some local interest books by the till, they’re for tourists mainly. We’ve got a wholesaler we use who offers sale or return, so anything that doesn’t sell can be sent back. I’ll give you their details if you like?’ said Anya.
‘That would be great, thank you,’ Bea replied.
‘You’re going to need to think about shipping costs and packaging for your subscription service, though, but that’s not something we do here.’
‘You don’t have an online shop?’
‘Nope, just the physical shop, and even that might not be open for much longer…’ said Anya, her voice breaking a little.
‘You’re not shutting down, are you?’ Bea asked.
‘We’re not sure at the moment. My mum’s not been well, so we’ve been thinking about moving back to Scotland to be nearer to her.’
‘And you’d have to give up the shop, I suppose, if you can’t find someone to run it for you?’
‘Yep,’ Anya nodded. ‘The lease is up soon, so in a way it’s perfect timing. The landlord’s lovely, so I’m sure he’d have let us renew, but…’
‘Couldn’t your mum move to Sussex instead so you could stay here?’ Bea suggested.
‘I wouldn’t even ask her. She loves Scotland, and all her friends and memories are there. We lost my dad a few years ago, and I know it would break her heart to leave their home,’ Anya explained, her eyes misty with tears.
‘I’m so sorry,’ said Bea, with genuine sympathy. ‘That must be really tough.’
‘Thanks. I appreciate that,’ said Anya, keen to change the subject. ‘If you need any more advice, my door’s always open. Well, for now anyway.’
‘Thank you, that’s really kind of you. I hope everything works out. Oh, before I forget, would you mind putting up one of these posters for me? I’m running a book speed-dating night at the pub next week, in case you fancy it?’
‘Sounds like fun, we’ll try and make it.’
‘Excellent! Sorry, I need to dash,’ said Bea, glancing at her watch, ‘I’m due at the Cosy Cat in a minute.’
‘No problem. I might pop over for a slice of cake later to cheer myself up.’
‘I’ll put something aside for you,’ said Bea, turning to leave.
‘Thanks,’ Anya replied. ‘Oh, and Bea?’
‘Yes?’
‘Don’t say anything to anyone, will you, about closing the shop? We haven’t really decided one way or another yet, and I don’t want anyone knowing until we have.’
