Help secure future of Southampton independent bookshop by treating yourself

Help secure future of Southampton independent bookshop by treating yourself

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Southampton’s radical bookshop October Books, has launched a crowdfunder like no other – this promises a 100% return to all who contribute. The folks at October Books are encouraging the public to buy October Books vouchers via a crowdfunding campaign in order to keep the tills ringing until they can open their doors once more.

This ‘buy now, spend later’ campaign aims to reach £2k by June 18th to be match-funded by Solent LEP through their Pay It Forward scheme, and they are reaching out to book lovers to help them reach their target.

October Books independent bookshop has been a recognisable sight on Southampton’s streets since 1977. Since shutting the doors on their Portswood shop on March 23rd due to the covid-19 health crisis the shop has been inundated with customers asking what they can do to support them and make sure they survive these unprecedented times.

October Books worker Amy Brown says “Buying vouchers via this crowdfunder platform is the perfect way of supporting us, as it ensures the shop a continued income whilst our physical doors are shut. The campaign only runs until Thursday 18th June – so get involved!”

This is a crowdfunder with a difference, as rather than asking people to simply donate an amount, all contributors will get a voucher and a free gift depending on how much they spend! 

  • £10 OB voucher – you get a free pack of Eat Real crisps
  • £25 OB voucher – you get a free bar of Divine or Seed & Bean chocolate
  • £50 OB voucher – you get a free Blind Date With A Book book
  • £100 OB voucher – you get an additional £10 voucher, giving  £110 to spend in the shop

Vouchers will be delivered at the end of the campaign. They can be spent on anything from the shop floor. 

Click this link to buy October Books vouchers. Scroll down and click the blue select reward button to buy an OB voucher with the value of your choosing now, to spend with us later this summer. (If you’d like to simply donate, you can just click the donate button)

Update 23/6/20

October books exceeded its target, and will be receiving £2k match-funding from Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (Solent LEP) through their Pay It Forward scheme.
This match-funding is going to help the bookshop hugely through the next few months, as is the cash injection provided by voucher purchases.
The final amount of vouchers bought came to £4475. In addition to this, there were donations of £779, and Solent LEP added £2000 on top, in match-funding. As the campaign is now closed, vouchers can be used immediately. Physical vouchers can be collected from the shop or if you wish to use your proof of purchase as your voucher, you will just need to state your name or pledge/invoice number when you wish to spend them at the shop.