Bicycle delivery and drive-throughs: how New Zealand’s bookshops are adapting to COVID-19 Level 2

With New Zealand now at Covid-19 alert level 2, bookshops have been getting creative with ways to get reading material to their customers:

Marsden Books have cancelled all events but remain open. They’ve also been crowdsourcing out of stock titles for customers in isolation via Facebook.

Volume in Nelson closed their doors at the weekend to protect customers but will continue to fulfil orders online and are trialling a bicycle delivery service in central Nelson. All other orders will be sent by courier.

Unity Books in Auckland and Wellington are currently open but offering free shipping NZ-wide for all orders placed over the phone, via email or through their website.

The Women’s Bookshop has set up a contactless drive-through for customers at risk or in isolation. The shop remains open.

Page and Blackmore are still open although have removed their customer seating to discourage lingering in store. They are offering free shipping on orders over $100 and free puppy cuddles instore.

Time Out remain open but are encouraging shoppers to head online. They have a free e-bike delivery service in Mt Eden and free courier delivery on orders over $50.

The University Bookshop in Dunedin is offering 15% off storewide and free shipping nationwide.

The Children’s Bookshop in Wellington are still open and reporting no delays from publishers at the moment. They also have an online store.

Scorpio Books is open but vigilant as Christchurch City Council shut down all community centres. Their online bookshop has free shipping on all orders within NZ.

Meanwhile, Wardini Books have a metre-long sword…

Here at The CopyPress, we’re working from home and in shifts, so please refrain from visiting the shop without prior arrangement for pickup.