It’s a small step for a Mount Luli shop owner but a giant step for her 14,000 books, which were transported by a “human conveyor belt” to their new home on Saturday.
More than 120 volunteers turned out on Beaufort Street to help independent bookstore owner Jane Seaton move her products 50 metres down the road.
The longtime owner of Beaufort Street Books will double its space at the new location at the corner of Beaufort and Vincent Streets.
She decided to seek help from the community after seeing a similar move in a UK bookstore in Southampton.
“I saw a story on social media about a bookstore in the UK that had its community come down and carry books along the conga line,” she said.
The store has been a Beaufort Street staple for more than 14 years, and in a tough climate for online booksellers and small businesses alike, Ms Seaton said the turnout was a reminder of why she decided to move.
In April last year, Amazon shut down its online store Book Depository, while this month it was reported that online retailer Booktopia has gone into voluntary administration.
“Small businesses are suffering everywhere, and we hear about the cost of living crisis,” Ms. Seton said.
“The lease is up, and I’m thinking, do I want to continue this?
“We made the decision to move here when this location came up and here’s why.”
The expansion will also allow Ms. Seton to cater to the fastest-growing demographic — readers under 12.
“The market here is really growing,” she said.
“Most of them are in strollers, (this new store) doesn’t have any steps.”
Eight-year-old Ava Mainstone said she was a loyal customer of the comics section at Beaufort Street Books.
“I really love comics, and they have great comics here and really good novels that I’ve started reading,” she said.
Volunteer Michael Barlow Stringer said Beaufort Street Books has been in his life for more than a decade.
“It has been a part of my children’s lives since they were born,” he said.
Volunteer Jennifer Jackson – who also owns independent bookshop Paper Bird in Fremantle – said she came to support Ms Seaton.
“I do everything I can to help independent bookstores grow and thrive,” she said.
“Beaufort Street Books has an amazing local community, just like Fremantle.”
