As the Covid-19 pandemic slowly draws to a close, we’re taking stock of some of the changes it’s caused—to downtown Boston, the secondhand book business, and, especially, the Brattle. Differences at the shop run deeper than masked employees and plexiglass barriers: after a disastrous first year, we’re busier than ever before, and our new customers tend to be younger and more diverse. A revised book-buying policy has cut down on conflict, and we’ve renewed our focus on in-person shopping, keeping many of the better books offline. Some of the most important changes at the shop have to do with not being there: prioritizing family, travel, and work/life balance. We talk about it all on today’s “new normal” episode of the #brattlecast.
Brattlecast #140 - The Power of Instagram
Something interesting is happening: the Brattle’s traditional demographic of bookish older men (No offense! We love you!) is being edged out by younger, more diverse, and dare we say, hipper customers. Why? Our photogenic outdoor sale lot has become popular on Instagram, creating a cycle of visits, alfresco shopping selfies, likes, organic advertising, and more visits. We’ll talk about the ways that this social media-driven shift is changing the shop, and the irony of an ultramodern communication network luring people back into the arms of dusty old books, on this potentially viral #brattlecast.
Brattlecast #100 - The 100th Brattlecast!
Welcome to the 100th episode of #Brattlecast! We’re celebrating by talking about the Brattle’s appraisal of a document so culturally, historically, and monetarily valuable that it featured prominently in a recent Hollywood action movie, opposite co-star Nicholas Cage. But of course the real national treasure is all the fun we’ve had on the podcast, sharing these stories and connecting with our listeners. Thanks for coming on this journey with us—we’re already looking forward to the next 100 episodes!
Brattlecast #75 - Zoom Book Backgrounds
We take another look at the Brattle employee snarkfest that has bloomed into a peculiar cottage industry: curated books for Zoom backgrounds. Now that most interaction has moved online, the right library behind you can make just as much of an impression as your working from home turtleneck or flattering lighting. The books you choose (or let us choose for you) can be a great introduction to yourself and your interests, and convey intelligence, expertise, and gravitas. Read more in this recent Globe article: https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/05/07/nation/brattle-book-shop-is-curating-bookshelves-zoom-meetings-facetime-hangouts/
Brattlecast #73 - Books in the Age of Zoom
There are many problems raised by the Covid-19 crisis, but only one that the Brattle is uniquely poised to help you solve: everyone on the Zoom call can see your bookshelves, and they look like trash, I’m sorry. Why not impress your colleagues with some nice new volumes curated by the Brattle team? Real books, not screen of VR shelves either. We’ve got years of experience helping clients build decorative, custom libraries that highlight the best of their personalities and interests, and, frankly, not much else to do at the moment. So give us a call or an email, and move your dog-eared copies of the Twilight series down to the shame-shelf (below eye level).
