The Works focused on remaining ‘accessible’ during cost of living crisis

Nina Findley, commercial director at The Works, says the retailer is focused on remaining “accessible” to customers during the cost of living crisis.  

Speaking in conversation with The Bookseller’s editor Philip Jones at the FutureBook conference on Friday (18th November), Findley said: “I think it’s going to be really tough in the next couple of years and I think there is a real risk that people will go without”. 

When asked about her views on raising r.r.p. she said: “I think that in any sector I’ve ever worked in there’s always a want to get to value the product that you’re selling, otherwise it’s just a race to the bottom. But I think there is an economic reality at the moment. The Works is focused on accessibility and accessibility does mean that there are copies of books that we offer to our customers at low prices. But I think on some of the frontlist, the presentation is very similar to anybody else.” 

She added: “I think there is probably a reality at the moment that some of the ranges that we offer, that is what people can afford. And if we’re not selling them then they won’t be able to afford to buy them at all.  

“I think when you’ve got people talking about heating or eating, children post-Covid, schools struggling, there is a reality that if we’re not doing that, if we’re not trying to offer value to those customers, they just won’t be able to afford to put books into those hands or their own for that matter. Right now, I think it’s important. I also think people are going to be looking for whatever joy they can and a book is a great way to have a break away from that reality.” 

She said the retailer tries to work “as collaboratively” as it can with publishers. “Sometimes we will get a positive response and sometimes we won’t. But my view is that we’re quite transparent about what we’re doing and if that doesn’t work then that’s fine.”