ONE of Oxford's most recognisable businesses has promised customers they will not miss out over lockdown.
Blackwell's Bookshop closes for four weeks from today, but staff will continue working hard to assist readers with their purchases.
From a 'books hotline' to a bike delivery service, customers will get all the help they need in the run up to Christmas.
It is exactly the type of innovation The Oxford Times is promoting in our campaign to back independent businesses, which launches today.
Read also: What support is available in Oxford during Lockdown 2?
Blackwell’s manager Rebecca MacAlister said: “Blackwell’s is Oxford’s bookshop.
“For the time while we are closed, our booksellers are still here to help people stock up on books and do their Christmas shopping in the safest possible way.
“This time, customers can still collect books from the bookshop or speak to a bookseller to place orders to be sent out to them at home.
“As booksellers and book lovers ourselves, we know that books are an essential way to get through these uncertain times.
"So let Blackwell’s take care of Christmas this year.”
Blackwell's bookseller Eonora Cavall Picture: David Fleming
The ‘books hotline’ allows customers to ring and speak to booksellers, who will give advice and recommendations to help with Christmas shopping.
You can call the Broad Street store on its normal number, 01865 792792.
Blackwell's is also offering a book bike delivery service for customers within the Oxford ring road.
Orders placed before 12pm will be delivered that day as the company aims ‘to provide Oxford residents with a faster, more local and more sustainable book service’.
Dan Orge prepares the book bike delivery service Picture: David Fleming
Blackwell’s has been trading in Broad Street since 1879, but like many other stores was forced to close for three months during the first lockdown.
It continued to take online orders and customers were queueing out the door when it reopened on June 15.
Read also: Blackwell's gets creative for lockdown
Over the summer, Blackwell's ran a host of activities and offers, from children’s book hunts to free deliveries within Oxford’s ring road.
Customers were also able to take part in board game cafes every Sunday, music hours during quieter times and sessions with a ‘children’s book doctor’, where experts recommend their favourite reads.
Meanwhile, seating was put up outside so visitors could read a book and enjoy a drink at neighbouring pub The White Horse.
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