Robert Hiscox, founder of Hiscox insurance and a Lloyd's of London grandee, has bought the loss-making White Horse Bookshop in Wiltshire in the face of stiff competition from Amazon
Robert Hiscox's latest undertaking could be the toughest yet: buying his local bookshop at a time when the independent bookselling trade is threatened with oblivion Photo: Daniel Jones
The Telegraph - 13 Apr 2014
After transforming a business with 10 employees into one of the world’s leading insurance firms, Robert Hiscox is used to a challenge.
His latest undertaking could be the toughest yet: buying his local bookshop at a time when the independent bookselling trade is threatened with oblivion.
The Lloyd’s of London grandee and founder of Hiscox insurance stepped in to save the loss-making White Horse Bookshop in Marlborough, Wilts, from closure.
He plans to take on the “soulless” onslaught of Amazon by offering customers an experience they cannot get online: rare first editions alongside classics and best-sellers, appearances by leading authors, community events and personalised service.
“Amazon is slaughtering bookshops,” Mr Hiscox said. “I have tried to sell insurance all my life, proper insurance with decent service but not the cheapest, so I’m aware of being up against big competition who are pile-it-high and sell-it-cheap.
Amazon are a formidable force. There is a real sharp pencil in the small of our backs so we have to make it an experience to buy in a bookshop.
“It will be a place to browse, because you can’t browse online. We have to get browsing back into the High Street.
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Amazon are a formidable force. There is a real sharp pencil in the small of our backs so we have to make it an experience to buy in a bookshop.
“It will be a place to browse, because you can’t browse online. We have to get browsing back into the High Street.
More
