Bookshop never answers phone

[OldClothes]

There is a bookshop local-ish to me I occasionally ring, usually as part of my job, sometimes for myself. In the last couple of months or so their phone has been unanswered every time.

I have rung at times when the store is supposed to be open, and I've tried withholding the number. I can't find anything online about a new number or the store being closed. Can anyone come up with an explanation other than just really bad luck?

You might have to pop round or put something on the local Facebook page for answers.

I guess I might - bit of a pain as it's not super close, but it's the nearest proper bookshop.

Tried a couple of times just now - it rings as normal, but no answer. It's strange because they used to generally be pretty quick.

No trace of an email adress for them?

I did email a couple of weeks ago with no response.

Sure they haven’t closed down?

In retail I was told to ignore the phone if there was a customer in the shop. Then phone back if possible.

If it's "local-ish" to you, just pop round and have a look.

Or you could ask on your local FB page, rather than a bunch of randoms on MN, who have no idea where this bookshop is. (Sorry MNers!)

Perhaps if you posted the name and town of the shop on here, someone might be able to help you but otherwise

Do they have capacity to answer the phone? I worked in a bookshop and there was no phone on the shop floor and not necessarily anyone in the back office.

I would go round if they are near by, but if they are nt responding to emails either it sounds like they may be away, unwell or closed.

Is it staffed by the owners?

Point taken @Justkeeppedaling - I guess I just wanted to get this off my chest It's bugging me

I agree there is not much we can tell you about a mystery bookshop!

They are a Waterstones branch.

One shop I visited semi-regularly was shut for ages after the owner had a fall.

@OldClothes

They are a Waterstones branch.

If a Waterstones then ring the main HQ number or the closest branch and ask them. Waterstones have been buying up independents so it maybe a transfer process?

I feel weirdly certain I had a massive row on a similar thread about a Waterstones on here years ago

@carefullycourageous Thanks, I'll look into it!

Will you update about this bookshop that means nothing to me but now I am wondering too?

I need to go out today I think.

Mysterious

@carefullycourageous

Will you update about this bookshop that means nothing to me but now I am wondering too?

I need to go out today I think.

I'll try to remember

Try a Daunt Books shop - they'll deliver. Run by the same guy that runs Waterstones but with staff that really, REALLY love their books and will happily answer the phone, IME!

I rang another Waterstones branch and they said they were open as normal.

@BridesmaidPanic Will bear in mind.

If you tell us the shop and the phone no we can set up a rota to call every 30 mins or so until someone answers.

*obvious question, but are you sure you're ringing the right number?

High street retailers do not have a receptionist. Visit or email. They have customers to help in the shop.