Kolkata: College Street Boipara – Old paradise more than a century for book lovers – has changed waves in supporting it, riding requests for books in schools, early semesters and competitive exam announcements, along with sales and discounts by shops and kiosks.
Beaten by Pandemics, Locking, Two Cyclones and Status Quo in academics, which lead to suspension of in-people classes and restrictions on syllabus, business at the center of new and old books that the world has reached the lowest point of all time.
However, over the past few weeks, Boipara – housing hundreds of new kiosks and used books, academic journals, fiction, maps, and everything including – have managed to change the page.
Businesses have not been fast as before the pandemic, but the situation has increased mostly.
“The school has started a new academic session, and two boards have divided academic year.
Some parents have come to buy school books and references, because the examination will be based on multiple choice questions.
Biz increases the college has started a new semester and several dates Competitive exams such as state feasibility tests have also been announced.
All of this has increased businesses nearly 60% to 70%, “said Pratap Das, Secretary, Ashutosh Book Association.
College Street ‘Sale’ got a big month response, several large bookstores at College Street offered sales in books, and the response surprised everyone.
Dey publishing sells thousands of books for five days in mid-August.
“It’s a kind of social experiment too.
We want to do to see if people still buy books.
What surprised us, more than 250 to 300 people would wait outside before we even opened the place.
Because of Covid security guidelines, we only allow 20 people at once And even it didn’t hinder those who waited outside.
We managed to sell thousands of books, but guarantees in return people will continue to buy physical books is a much greater income, “Subhankar Dey of Dey’s Publishing.
Locking and Amphan Typhoon induced by Pandemi gave a cruel blow to Boipara last year, destroying books worth crores and damaging several stalls.
The presidency alumni association has helped traders of road side books with financial resources and books after last year’s cyclone.
“In 2020, the market was closed for more than four months, but even after continuing the business, there would be almost no customers.
Most of our books were damaged.
But help poured from all places, including those who live abroad.
Business has increased, with Sales up to Rs 800 to RS 1,000 on a good day, “said Bisarnit Malang, the owner of a Bengal book kiosk.
“Used books are sold very well,” said Purnendu Ghosh, the owner of other kiosks.
“Customers bargain hard, but we are grateful that at least they return to revive our expectations.”