 This
wonderful bookstall in Bangalore was started in 1995. Run by Vidya
Virkar, who has a Cambridge background, the stall has an extremely
reader friendly attitude. "I've grown up with books around me. Basically,
I wanted to do something to do with books. As book selling is more
a labour of love, not much for business, I enjoy doing this," says
Vidya with a smile.
In 1948, her father T. N. Shanbhag (a doyen of the book industry)
started a bookshop as a kiosk near the Strand cinema in Bombay. His
main intention was to make books affordable for everyone. Four years
into this and then the shop was shifted to the present spacious premises
on Sir P. M. Road in Mumbai.
Following the same tradition, Strand Book Stall in Bangalore,
is one of the best retailing book-selling outlets in the city catering
to a large section of the society - from young children to working
people. The stall has unique selections and very good handpicks collection.
The prices need a special mention. They offer the most competitive
prices in the country, giving 20% discount at all times.
The sections include Architecture, Art, Biography, Children's,
Classics, Cookery, Computers, Drama, Ecology, Fiction, Film, Gardening,
Health, History, Humour, Literature, Management ,
Painting, Philosophy, Poetry, Self-Help, and Travel.
Everyday is a festival at Strand's. They have something or the other
happening. It may be a book launch, a new bestseller on the list or
some fabulous discounts. They always give something for the reader
to come back again and again.
The stall conducts reading sessions and once a year, a gala book festival
is arranged wherein classics, out-of-print titles and latest ones
are sold at a fabulous discount. They have even published books written
by Nani Palkhivala and Charles Correa, a leading architect
in India.
Harry Potter mania struck Strand too. "There were phone
calls coming day and night to reserve copies. We have sold hundreds
of Harry Potters and they are still selling hot."
 Now,
foreign publishers have recognised India's market for books. "An
understanding has developed and they have started offering better
prices. Indian authors' books are doing well. Shashi Deshpande,
Anita Nair, to name a few local writers…"
Many creative people have visited Strand Book Stall to quench their
innovative minds. "Girish Karnad, Mahesh Dattani, Vasudev have
come here. Kavitha Lankesh and Prasad Bidappa are very
regular."
Vidya recounts a funny experience at her shop. "One day a lady
came with her husband. Seeing her large midriff, I thought she was
pregnant. I showed her some books on baby care and pregnancy. The
husband looked surprised. He said, 'Madam, she's not pregnant!' I
felt funny and surprised. They were never seen again..."
Vidya's favourite is non-fiction, mainly psychology and spirituality.
"Reading these books, you change for the better. You become less
stressed out and an all-round person. As each person has a block,
it helps him to change."
 Now
with their latest website - www.strandbookstall.com,
they have started selling books online. Here customers can just log
on the site and purchase books at discount prices.
Strand gives you an opportunity to express your love to your near
and dear ones. You can send gifts and make his/her day more eventful.
They accept all major credit cards (except American Express),
including Citibank's Suvidha Card.
Address: S 113 - 114, Manipal Centre, 47, Dickenson Road, Bangalore
- 560 042
Phone: 2558 0000
Fax: (080) 2558 2222
Email: strandbk@bgl.vsnl.net.in
J.Vinay
Photographs
by Somashekar D P |
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