Having an 80-year-long history has its advantages, but in the digital age, many old brand names are finding it hard to surivie. To compete in an online world and to introduce a more modern and cool way to read, one Sanlian bookstore in Beijing is hoping to set a trend. Named after the publishing house’s co-founder Zou Taofen, it’s recognized as one of the best bookstores in the Chinese captial.
A renowned cultural landmark in the city. And a magnet for book lovers.
Sanlian Taofen Bookstore’s magnetic force not only works on locals, but it also attracts people from across the country.
Mr. Cao, Hebei Province, said, "I’m from Hebei Province. This bookstore makes me very excited because it has books of all categories."
A wide range of books has attracted a lot of readers. But what makes Sanlian Taofen Bookstore so outstanding is the quiet and cozy atmosphere.
There is a coffee house in the bookstore, readers can enjoy a cup of coffee or hot tea while reading. Meanwhile, the inside layout of the bookstore offers readers a home-like feel- they can enjoy a comic book sitting on the floor, or they can even choose to sit on the staircase.
A Beijing resident said, "The atmosphere here is more comfortable than in other bookstores. So I like to hang out here to do some reading. Sometimes I can stay here for an afternoon."
With the emergence of on-line bookstores and changing reading habits, many bricks-and-mortar bookstores are becoming less attractive in the digital age. Sanlian Taofen Bookstore is no exception.
Facing the challenge, the bookstore decided to keep pace with an age dominated by the internet. With the help of social networks, its business managers now regularly send out its latest book list to readers. The move has proven to be very effective. The bookstore’s business manager Wang Yu says followers on her QQ page, now buy books totalling more than 100,000 yuan per month.
Established by SDX Joint Publishing Company in 1996, Sanlian Taofen Bookstore has influenced numerous readers. As the future turns the page on many traditional bookstores, this one seems to be surviving the digital age and won’t be shelved any time soon.