Culture

Legendary Shakespeare and Co. bookshop in Paris at risk of bankruptcy

10 Nov, 2020

At risk of bankruptcy the legendary Shakespeare & Co. bookshop launches an appeal to customers

The figures, unfortunately, render it inexorably clear: since last March, the legendary bookstore "Shakespeare and Company" has seen its sales fall by 80%, carrying on its shoulders the full weight of the economic consequences of the Coronavirus pandemic. And now the iconic cultural gathering place in Paris is appealing to customers to find a way to get out of such a dark tunnel.

According to ParisZigZag.fr, last week, the bookstore sent an email campaign to its loyal customers: "Like many independent companies, we are struggling, trying to find a way out at this time when we are operating at a loss. With the health crisis driving customers away” , the owner added, she would be "particularly grateful if some people could order on the new website.”

Shakespeare and Co. has been an institution in Paris since its opening in 1951, through the Lost Generation and the Beats, the Cold War, May ’68, and the feminist movement. If it were to disappear, in short, it would be a dramatic loss. The bookstore, frequented by mythical writers like William Burroughs or Henry Miller, appears to be on the verge of despair: "By now we have used up all the savings of the bookstore, we have also benefited from government support, but this does not cover everything, and we have overdue rent to pay".

And while it is unlikely that the announcement of a second lockdown will improve the situation, the bookstore can take comfort in seeing the number of orders increasing as its appeal to customers spreads. The Bookshop is also open for Click & Collect every day between 12pm and 6pm, at 10 rue Saint Julien le Pauvre.