It will be an end of an era next month when Collins Booksellers owners Peter and Margaret Halicki hand over the keys after 24 years of selling books on Baylis Street.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
As the couple prepare to welcome their first grandchild, Mr Halicki said it seemed like the right time to "hand over the reins" of the store after years of book signings, charity fundraisers and challenges to the book industry including the global financial crisis and the rise of online retailers.
Mr Halicki said through the years, the store's focus on customer experience had helped them maintain a healthy business.
"We stuck to the basics - to treat everyone with the respect we all deserve and be kind," Mr Halicki said.
"Our dedication is to help people find the right book for the right person at a reasonable price, our success is due to the loyalty of our wonderful customers."
Mr Halicki thanked his customers and his staff, who he said "put their heart and soul into creating a real community bookshop" over the years.
"Their genuineness and integrity have contributed greatly to making our patch of earth a safe and happy place for our customers," he said.
Local businesswoman Jenny Leggett, who has previously owned and managed a variety of businesses across town, will take over the store on August 12.
She said owning a book store had always been a dream of hers.
"I've just always loved to read and I'm passionate about retail so I just thought my dream job would be to combine the both," she said.
She said little would change once she took over the store, and she hoped to carry on the customer service legacy.
"Pete's done a great job with his staff and I'd like to continue that," she said.
READ MORE:
