Shopfloor Publishers Project

This past week, June 24th-July 1st, was Independent Bookshop Week. An event put together to encourage readers and other members of the Irish book industry to visit independent bookstores. In celebration and support, several publishers and bookstores participated in the Shopfloor Publishers Project. Launched into the Irish trade by Bookselling Ireland, the project is meant to show publishers the practical and commercial realities of book-selling by placing them on the shop floors of bookstores across Dublin. Going beyond a simple visit, these publishers found themselves working alongside the employees, learning how the shops work and how books sell best to costumers. Roz de lay Hey’s, President of BA, explains that another benefit of the program is that it builds on the relationships and collaborations across the industry, creating awareness and engagement for all involved.

The project proved successful as there were several publishers who volunteered to participate. Ronan Colgan (left), publisher and MD of The History Press Ireland, was at Books Upstairs on D’Olier Street in City Centre. Also at Books Upstairs was The Stinging Fly’s Declan Meade (right).

Ruth Gill of Gill was also in participation of the project, working in Alan Hanna’s Bookshop in Rathmines.