Readers Stand Behind Robinson Crusoe Bookstore

On the verge of closing its shutters, Robinson Crusoe Bookstore in downtown Istanbul has launched a campaign to create revenue with a “pay now, buy after” card offer.

Established 19 years ago with a slogan “wall loads of books”, Robinson Crusoe Bookstore has recently suffered from financial issues as store rent rates on Istiklal Avenue are constantly on the rise. 

10 days ago, the bookstore has launched its RobKart -  a “pay now, buy after” card offer. The campaign reportedly attracted hundreds of bookworms. 

"It is important to make awareness permanent"

“Around 750 RobKarts have been ordered so far with different price ranges,” the bookstore announced. 

“While our expenses were climbing, our revenues were constantly running shorter. The only way out was to close this gap - which was only possible with more readers. There is a huge demand to the campaign. However, it is important to make awareness permanent. This issue won’t be resolved on short term, because in essence the conditions will maintain. Readers must buy more books from independent sellers as a principle. The awareness we created must be permanent in minds."

Within the campaign, several prominent authors including Ahmet Ümit, Buket Uzuner and Ayşe Kulin have joined book-signing days. de Emrah Serbes and Nazlı Eray are expected to join as well. Among campaign supporters also included Orhan Pamuk - Turkey’s sole laureate of Nobel Prize in Literature. (NV/BM)

* Click here to read the original article in Turkish.