Chat about whatever you like: the weather, good stuff, bad stuff, family or pets! Showing 23,901-23,950 of 26,036

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

That's weird - I can't get in now either!!! It was about the domination of Big W over any other booksellers, and Meredith Drake, who is the buyer for the 190 Big W stores in the whole of the country. The interview was with her, and she's a very humble mother of (I think) two (second just born and she's on maternity leave) I'm sorry I didn't post the whole thing when I could, but it's very long! How frustrating! Sorry guys!

[Carolyn]

Brenda wrote: "This is VERY interesting reading!

Australian books sales dominated by Big W, says Meredith Drake

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/arts/......"

I read it this morning Brenda. Amazing success story, outselling Dymocks. Just wish we had a Big W close to us!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

RitaSkeeter wrote: "I wonder if it is because I was clicking from a mobile device then? Bit odd."

No because I couldn't get in the second time! Even when I went straight from the original place I found it!

[Carolyn]

I think the on-line Australian allows you one or two free articles per week then the Subscription notice pops up. Also some content can only be viewed by subscribers. We don't subscribe but get the weekend paper as well as the SMH.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Carolyn wrote: "I think the on-line Australian allows you one or two free articles per week then the Subscription notice pops up. Also some content can only be viewed by subscribers. We don't subscribe but get the..."

Oh really? OK then - I'll have to remember that and post the whole article next time!

[Kathryn]

I just googled "big w booksellers" and the Australian article was one of the first links that popped up and when I clicked on it it worked, even though clicking on your link didn't work for me either, Brenda.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Kathryn wrote: "I just googled "big w booksellers" and the Australian article was one of the first links that popped up and when I clicked on it it worked, even though clicking on your link didn't work for me eith..."

Ooh thanks Kathryn! Then everyone else can do the same:) It was fascinating wasn't it!

[Kathryn]

Brenda wrote: "Kathryn wrote: "I just googled "big w booksellers" and the Australian article was one of the first links that popped up and when I clicked on it it worked, even though clicking on your link didn't ..."

I'm just reading it now...

[Carolyn]

Brenda wrote: "Carolyn wrote: "I think the on-line Australian allows you one or two free articles per week then the Subscription notice pops up. Also some content can only be viewed by subscribers. We don't subsc..."

For some reason I get a daily email of the news headlines from the Australian but I can only read one or two per week without the Subscription notice popping up. Then I have to wait to go home to read the SMH to read the story!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

LOL! Frustrating!

[Kathryn]

Brenda wrote: "Kathryn wrote: "I just googled "big w booksellers" and the Australian article was one of the first links that popped up and when I clicked on it it worked, even though clicking on your link didn't ..."

It is interesting to think that one person has total control of all the book buying at Big W - I've never thought about it much, but if you'd asked me, I'd have probably said I thought there would be a panel of people involved. Also interesting that she says e-book sales are stagnating - are they really?

[Veronica ⭐️]

Thanks Kathryn. I googled it and it came up. What I read was interesting have book marked it to read the full article later.

[Dale]

I found it the way Kathryn suggested. Very interesting. We don't have a big W near us sadly but sometimes we travel up to Warrawong . Lovely to see rows and rows of books there for sale, so inexpensive. Often where we buy Christmas and birthday gifts, mostly adult fiction. Not so impressed with their kids books these days though.

[Kathryn]

Dale wrote: "I found it the way Kathryn suggested. Very interesting. We don't have a big W near us sadly but sometimes we travel up to Warrawong . Lovely to see rows and rows of books there for sale, so inexpen..."

That's interesting, Dale - I can't say I've looked at the children's books section of Big W lately, but that seemed to be what they were saying was one of their strengths!!

[Dale]

Kathryn wrote: "Dale wrote: "I found it the way Kathryn suggested. Very interesting. We don't have a big W near us sadly but sometimes we travel up to Warrawong . Lovely to see rows and rows of books there for sal..."

I know, so that comment surprised me, Kathryn. But their adult fiction is great.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

I always get my grandkids books there (got two there today actually!) and find their range (in my store) fabulous! Shelves and shelves of them:) Boxed sets of the old fav's too...Enid Blyton, Famous Five; Secret Seven etc. Plus the newest - Treehouse books by Andy Griffiths and loads more:)

[Margaret]

Brenda wrote: "I always get my grandkids books there (got two there today actually!) and find their range (in my store) fabulous! Shelves and shelves of them:) Boxed sets of the old fav's too...[author:Enid Blyto..."
Glad to know my childhood favourites are still popular. :)

[Kathryn]

Dale wrote: "Kathryn wrote: "Dale wrote: "I found it the way Kathryn suggested. Very interesting. We don't have a big W near us sadly but sometimes we travel up to Warrawong . Lovely to see rows and rows of boo..."

Maybe it depends on which Big W you go to. The books section of my Big W isn't bad, but I wouldn't say it's the size of a "small Dymocks" as the one is North Ryde was described, so they obviously vary.

[Dale]

Brenda wrote: "I always get my grandkids books there (got two there today actually!) and find their range (in my store) fabulous! Shelves and shelves of them:) Boxed sets of the old fav's too...[author:Enid Blyto..."

Maybe it depends on the age group you're trying to buy for. Some of mine are past those you mentioned Brenda, and the stuff that is being produced for teenagers leaves a lot to be desired, in my opinion. At least that which they haven't already read umpteen times over. The problem of having avid book readers. But a good problem to have just the same. Happy to see them that way.

[Carolyn]

Kathryn wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Kathryn wrote: "I just googled "big w booksellers" and the Australian article was one of the first links that popped up and when I clicked on it it worked, even though clicking on yo..."

I heard that reported somewhere else recently Kathryn - that ebook sales are no longer increasing while real book sales are improving.

[Lisa]

Carolyn wrote: "Kathryn wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Kathryn wrote: "I just googled "big w booksellers" and the Australian article was one of the first links that popped up and when I clicked on it it worked, even thoug..."

That's fantastic to hear! Although, with my kindle i've been more selective with the real books I purchase. But it's mainly cause of lack of space.

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

For those of us who do not have a local Big W ........
:(

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

That's sad Phrynne:( Isn't there one at the big shopping centre at Hornsby?

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Brenda wrote: "That's sad Phrynne:( Isn't there one at the big shopping centre at Hornsby?"

No. Just a regular Woolworths. We have to look for our books at Kmart, Target and QBD. If you have lots of money to spend we also have Berkelouws. (spelling may be a bit random there)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Oh that's terrible!!! I'd be lost without Big W - I actually have 5 within easy driving distance:) The furtherest away would be 20/25 mins...

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Well that's just not fair:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

No it isn't! That's why I thought there must be one in that centre... don't they ALL have Big W???

[Sally906]

We have 1 Big W, 1 Kmart and 1 Target. Then a couple each of woollies and Coles.

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Brenda wrote: "No it isn't! That's why I thought there must be one in that centre... don't they ALL have Big W???"

My nearest is 7 kilometres of very busy roads away.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Oh yuk! I sympathize :/

[Neko]

my go to bookshop is big w over other places these days. I've 3 big w all within reasonable distances but one i never go too as i never really liked that one. books always seem to be at an excellent price but if kmart keep up with their cheap prices i may look there as well.

[PattyMacDotComma]

Brenda wrote: "PattyMacDotComma wrote: "I'm sure there's a place on Goodreads with list of "writes like so-and-so", but I haven't found it, so I'm asking you lot!

A Kiwi relative has just said she loves [author:..."

Thanks Brenda, Kathryn and Carolyn. Those are great suggestions. I KNEW I'd seen a link somewhere but could not for the life of me remember where. Duh . . .

Before I saw your answers, I typed my question into Google and was sent straight to a Goodreads list! But it's nice to have personal recommendations, I think, so thanks heaps.

[B the BookAddict]

A Big W would be most welcome here but hoping they would have a better choice of books than our Target and Kmart which are woeful.

[Carolyn]

Our KMarts have a pretty basic selection. They could learn a thing or two from Big W!

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

I go to BigW at Chullora..not my nearest but...they have a fantastic setup there and the most helpful and happy lady in charge of books, over the years we have built a real rapport with her and she recommends books she knows we will like or gets excited when she sees us because she knows she has a book I would want...and she understands that sometimes you just like to look at and feel the books :))

[B the BookAddict]

stop it, you guys with your talk about Big W. I'm going green with envy.

In our Target down here, whover buys the books must really like Rural Romance and Vampire books as that's the bulk of what they stock. Neither are my cup of tea. But probably some south-westerners here are very happy!

I know Big W has an online store but I like to read to read the first paragraph of a book before I buy it; to see if the writing suits me.

[Carolyn]

B the BookAddict wrote: "stop it, you guys with your talk about Big W. I'm going green with envy.

In our Target down here, whover buys the books must really like Rural Romance and Vampire books as that's the bulk of what ..."

You can usually read a few pages for free on Amazon Bette and then then you could buy the book online from BigW if you like it.

I've had a look at the on-line store and I don't think the range is as extensive as in the stores except when they have a sale on. I believe my closest BigW is in Campsie to the south of us but I've never had time to check it out (on the retirement list, item 52).

[Dale]

Carolyn wrote: "Our KMarts have a pretty basic selection. They could learn a thing or two from Big W!"

Agree with Bette and Carolyn here. We were supposed to be getting a Big W in the new shopping centre being built but then Woolies reneged on that and only getting Woolies and other shops. Left a lot of people very disappointed.

[B the BookAddict]

We have a population of 40,000 and six supermakets, three of which are Woolies. Maybe I should email them and ask about a Big W coming here.

Gosh, the only two Big W's in western Victoria are Ballarat and Geelong; both 2 hours drive from here:(

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

B the BookAddict wrote: "We have a population of 40,000 and six supermakets, three of which are Woolies. Maybe I should email them and ask about a Big W coming here.

Gosh, the only two Big W's in western Victoria are Ball..."

Yes Bette, point them to this thread and let them see how popular they could be.

[Ace]

Need to get in touch with the lady from the article, maybe they need Big-mini-W for books only in rural areas and outer suburbs (and also one for Hong Kong would be good)..

[Carolyn]

Fantastic idea Ace!

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

Carolyn wrote: "Fantastic idea Ace!"

Yeah fantastic idea Ace! ...and of course, not forgetting Hong Kong ;)

[Suz]

Phrynne wrote: "Brenda wrote: "That's sad Phrynne:( Isn't there one at the big shopping centre at Hornsby?"

No. Just a regular Woolworths. We have to look for our books at Kmart, Target and QBD. If you have lots ..."

I love Hornsby as a nice day out, I met a friend for lunch there last year, very nice shops, but a shame no Big W, it's a cheap and handy store.

[Sharon]

Suzanne wrote: "Phrynne wrote: "Brenda wrote: "That's sad Phrynne:( Isn't there one at the big shopping centre at Hornsby?"

No. Just a regular Woolworths. We have to look for our books at Kmart, Target and QBD. I..."

I've always missed Big W - they talk about it coming here all the time, but it never happens. I would have to drive Raymond Terrace - half an hour or so away but hardly ever go there. It's funny that since I have lived here, a ten minute drive feels like forever, a trip to Newcastle or Raymond Terrace seems to take half a day, when living in Sydney I would drive those distances and further constantly.

[Marianne]

B the BookAddict wrote: "stop it, you guys with your talk about Big W. I'm going green with envy.

In our Target down here, whover buys the books must really like Rural Romance and Vampire books as that's the bulk of what

I know Big W has an online store but I like to read to read the first paragraph of a book before I buy it; to see if the writing suits me. ..."

Bette, if you go to https://books.google.com.au/ you can also read the first few pages, as long as the book is available in electronic as well as hardcopy format.... see for example the book you are currently reading https://books.google.com.au/books?id=...

[Liam || Books 'n Beards]

Learning to drive stick for the first time - always had automatics.

It's weird.

[Marianne]

Liam wrote: "Learning to drive stick for the first time - always had automatics.

It's weird."

:)) you're young, you'll get the hang of it in no time at all!!

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

Liam wrote: "Learning to drive stick for the first time - always had automatics.

It's weird."

I'd still be driving one Liam if it wasn't for all the hundreds of roundabouts, speed bumps, chicanes and "comfort zones" around here...it meant I rarely got out of second or third gear!

[Liam || Books 'n Beards]

Yeah I've got a mate who lives near the city, he sold his car specifically because of how horrible it is driving in a city with manual.