In the heart Tbilisi‘s bookstores have evolved from being just places to buy books. They’ve become vibrant cultural spaces which reflect the city’s creative pulse. Tbilisi’s bookstores are a unique mix of business solutions. From hybrid spaces that combine literature with lifestyle to personalized book-hunting, they offer a unique combination of business solutions.
Modern bookstores in creative cities have countless opportunities to implement business solutions and tools that reflect changing consumer behavior and urban dynamics. Here are some strategies that can enhance the cultural and business value of a bookshop, inspired by Tbilisi’s literary sanctuaries which thrive on creativity and innovation.
Hybrid Spaces – Books, Coffee and Creativity
A bookstore can thrive today by diversifying their space to offer more products than just books. By combining a traditional retail experience with a café, co-working area, or event venue the store can become a cultural hub. Book readings, poetry slams or workshops can create a sense community and keep people coming back to the store for more than just purchasing.
They Said Books (https://www.facebook.com/theysaidbooks) is a perfect example of how bookstores are no longer limited to selling books. It’s a welcoming space for breakfast and a backdrop for influencers. It is also a haven of quality books, especially art albums, for book lovers. They Said Books provides a cultural experience unlike any other by combining stylish interiors with a cafe-like atmosphere and carefully selected books.
Workshops and Local Designers
By collaborating with local artists, musicians and designers, a modern bookstore can be a platform for creatives. The space can be made more dynamic by hosting small art exhibitions, collaborating with designers, or creating exclusive bookstore merchandise, such as custom-made notebooks and prints, or tote bag designs. These items can become a symbol of the bookstore, and create a unique image within the city’s creative eco-system.
At Stamba Bookstore (https://www.facebook.com/Stambasbooks), visitors can do more than browse through books–they can explore an array of artisanal crafts by local designers. The bookstore is a creative hotspot with its wide selection of English-language novels, Georgian posters, modern crafts and jewelry, as well as a large collection of English-language English books. Stamba seamlessly blends literature and modern design, whether you’re searching for a classic book or a unique accessory.
Community and Book Clubs
Book clubs, both physical and virtual, can be based on various themes such as politics, philosophy, feminism or local history. This fosters a community of intellectuals. These clubs can help build a loyal following and promote books that align with the current societal debates.
Prospero’s Books (https://www.facebook.com/prosperosbooks), a legendary Tbilisi institution on Rustaveli avenue, has built one of the strongest English-speaking communities around its literary selection. Prospero’s is more than a cafe and bookstore. It hosts regular book discussions and writer meetups. Its online bookclub has created a community of readers that share literary criticisms and recommendations. This engagement not strengthens customer relations, but also encourages repeat visits.
Subscriptions and personalized service
A personalized book subscription box, where customers get a curated selection delivered every month, is an excellent way to maintain customer engagement. A creative city’s bookshop could create themed boxes, focusing on local writers, translations, or different genres, and deliver not only books, but local art, postcards or merchandise reflecting the store’s aesthetic.
Books Corner (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093737404218) has taken subscription models to the next level. This second-hand bookshop, which recently relocated to Agmashenebeli Avenue in Istanbul, has expanded to include a bar where eclectic events such as Kerosinka Parties are held. The limited selection of English-language titles is not kept on the shelves for very long. The dynamic social media presence of the bookstore, its advance booking options and customer-specific suggestions based on browsing patterns have made it a favorite spot for book lovers.
Curated Collections: Themed bookstores
Instead of relying on bestsellers alone, a modern bookshop can specialize in curated collections based on local cultures, social movements, and hard-to-find publications. This will appeal to niche audiences, and position the bookstore as a leader in intellectual thought.
For fans of niche genres, Parsek 1 (https://www.facebook.com/parsek1tbilisi) is the go-to bookstore for comics and manga. Parsek 1, with its cozy, cat friendly workspace and a selection of American graphic novels, biographies of animators such as Hayao Miyazaki to choose from, is a comic book lover’s paradise. The store also supports Georgian illustrators in the world graphic storytelling.
Book Museums: The Written Word as Art
Create visually appealing displays to capitalize on the aesthetics and history of older books. Displaying a collection of illustrated books, antique bindings or first editions in a space with vintage decor and proper lighting can make it feel like a museum. A rare edition or one that is autographed can also attract serious collectors.
Books from Past (https://www.facebook.com/booksfrompast) combines art with literature in a way few stores can. This hidden gem is a treasure trove of original artworks and autographs from celebrities like Ai Weiwei. It also offers monthly giveaways. It’s part bookstore, part museum. It houses the largest collection of classic Tbilisi pocket editions and art books. Every visit to this place is like discovering something valuable and rare.
Involving local artists
Collaboration with authors to create exclusive limited-editions books for the store adds another layer of exclusivity. These limited editions are attractive to collectors and bibliophiles. They can be signed copies, dust jackets customized, or bundles with personalized notes. Create custom bookplates, bookmarks or handcrafted book covers with local artists and artisans. These can be sold along with books. This blend of art and literary works appeals to the creative community. These collaborations allow for limited edition releases, which create a sense exclusivity.
Posta da Kona (https://www.facebook.com/KonaBooks) stands out by supporting Georgian creativity in every form. It is the official store of a local publishing company and regularly hosts exhibitions of photobooks, art zine, and literary items crafted by Georgian authors. This is the place to go if you’re looking for art books and cultural treasures that you won’t find anywhere else.
Online Marketplace: Bridging Digital Divides
Create an online presence for the sale of bestsellers, popular releases and classics. Include detailed descriptions and high quality images. Platforms or custom-made ecommerce sites can be used as virtual spaces for international collectors to purchase from the bookstore.
While most bookstores in Tbilisi have yet to fully embrace online sales, Bookshop Ge (https://www.facebook.com/BookShopGeorgia/) is an exception, offering a convenient online marketplace with a strong selection of educational materials, modern literature, and classic titles. It may not have the charm and personality of physical stores, but its reliable home delivery service makes this a valuable resource for book lovers that can’t visit.
Book Hunting: Find Something New Every Day
Offer a service that allows customers to provide a list with titles they are looking for and the bookstore will track them down using its network of suppliers or estate sales. This personalized book-hunting adds an extra layer of exclusivity, allowing literary enthusiasts and avid collectors to connect.
Book House (https://www.facebook.com/Book.H.2016), located near Freedom Square, is a late-night sanctuary for book hunters. This bookstore is known for its ever-changing selection of foreign literature, in multiple languages. No two visits will ever be the same. Its personalized service and affordable pricing, including discounts for regular customers, make it a favorite of locals looking for unexpected literary finds.
Swap and Trade In Programs
Create a community-driven program for book swapping where customers can trade their secondhand books in exchange for store credit or discounts. This encourages customers to return to the store regularly and promotes a sustainable way of circulating the books in the city. Regular trade-ins can refresh the inventory without incurring excessive costs.
Rare Books (https://www.facebook.com/Book.Store.Tbilisi/) offers more than just secondhand literature–it provides a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere with vintage furniture and creaky parquet floors. This store specializes in German and French Literature. It also offers a book exchange system that allows readers to create a sustainable literary economic. This is a place where readers can discover forgotten treasures and books find new homes.
Price Scaling for Volume Purchases
Offer a loyalty programme. Offer a loyalty program. This can include early access, discounts on certain collections, and invitations for exclusive events, such as private sales, or behind-the scenes tours of the rare collection.
At Santa Esperanza (https://www.facebook.com/santabooks/), the more you buy, the less you pay. The store offers new books, but its secondhand collection is what really draws in literature lovers. They appreciate the unique pricing model. Inventory replenishment is rare so avid readers need to act quickly to grab the best finds.
Book Curation as a Form of Art
Host storytelling or reading events that focus on literary works from various historical periods or cultural contexts. Invite local historians, actors or scholars to read rare or historical works. This gives people the chance to connect to the past by reading from books.
EARI (https://www.instagram.com/eari_booksofspring) has quickly become a literary hub, not just for its selection, but for the care it puts into curating its inventory. Every book in the shop reflects a broad intellectual vision, from Pasolini’s biographies to Kerouac’s collected works. The purchases are adorned with dried flower petals, adding a personal touch. EARI is a book curator who believes in a craft. Each title they select shapes minds.
Blind Picks and Bundles
Subscription services that are tailored to the customer’s preferences can also increase repeat business. Offering curated monthly books based on genres and interests can create an exclusive feeling. A personalized recommendation system, whether online or in store, can be used to suggest books that customers are likely to enjoy.
One of Tbilisi’s most attractive bookstores in terms of price and quality is Parnassus (https://www.facebook.com/Parnassus.books). Its stock is updated with not only new releases, but also themed collections such as “10 Essential Books on Philosophy”, “15 Must-Reads For Literature Enthusiasts” and “10 Essential Books on Philosophy”. It also offers the best selection of new German books in the city. The “blind bag”, where books are packaged in mystery bundles, is the real attraction. The packaging is hand-drawn, so buyers can only guess the contents based on the illustrations. This makes every purchase a gamble. You could end up with a hidden gem that isn’t displayed on the shelves.
Bookstores of the Future
Tbilisi’s bookstores have become cultural icons by adopting innovative business solutions. These literary havens adapt to the modern reader, while maintaining the spirit of discovery. Tbilisi bookstores redefine what it means to have a modern book lover’s paradise by focusing on community, aesthetics and personalized service.
By Ivan Nechaev
Read More @ georgiatoday.ge