With my pal and fellow WWACer Angel, I visited the new Penguin Shop in Toronto run by its publisher Penguin Random House Canada.
I’ve been meaning to check it out since it opened a few weeks ago and was wowed by its set up.
It’s much smaller than I expected it to be, but it’s a great use of space.
The shelves are designed like the book’s spine, and just like pulling your book out to read, they roll out and house Penguin Random House titles! It’s such a neat idea and I had a mini nerd freak out. Browsing is easier with less people given that pulling out a shelf eats the little space there is. One of the shelves doesn’t pull out, but instead revealed an iPad where the transactions take place (no cash at this joint!).
The shelves also have Penguin swag like totes, shirts, thermoses etc.
There’s also a shelf for staff picks.
On the right, there were more shelves of more swag and books.
I was really happy to check out the new store, and there have been signings that have taken place there (the Chef Michael Smith books in the picture above were signed). Before I left, Emily (a Penguin Random House staffer manning the shop) was kind enough to point out the Penguin sign on the back wall that lights up.
If you’re in Toronto, check out the shop at 320 Front Street West!