sAfter 66 years in business we are closing our doors for the last time on Friday 14th March this year.
Naturally we are sad because this is the end of two generations of business in Wellington, but we have come to this decision for good and positive reasons and we’d like you to know the story. The main reason for the closure is that my sister Beatrice and I are ready to retire.
I began working at the shop at 17, and 54 years later, I am 71 with some dreams
still to realise. I want to read and re-read, sometimes on the deck of my boathouse
(on the site formerly occupied by Sam Hunt) on the Pauatahanui Inlet. I have a bent for building and mechanical pursuits and ideas for some new projects and activities. I look forward to slow time with friends, family and grandchildren.
Beatrice is creative and will have more time to use her talents. As well as buying the books and running the shop all these years, she has enjoyed theatre work, designing, sewing, jewellery-making, gardening, caring for her beloved cat Jasper, and being on the committee of Wellington Chamber Music. She has more things she’d like to do.
The last years in the shop have been challenging. You will be aware that changing technology and retail trends have affected independent specialist businesses like ours, especially those selling CDs and DVDs. Happily for Wellington booklovers, there is a fine selection at the independent book stores: Unity Books on Willis Street, Capital Books on Featherston Street, Marsden Books in Karori, Millwood Gallery on Tinakori Road and The Children’s Bookshop in Kilbirnie.
Our family-run business has been a presence on Lambton Quay since 1948 when our father, Roy Parsons, opened his first book shop. Over the years it has expanded and become a Wellington institution providing books, classical music, DVDs, coffee and home-made food in a unique setting with dedicated staff. People often tell us they appreciate the modernist architecture, enjoy the eccentric atmosphere and value the service. The composer Stravinsky, after visiting Wellington in 1961, was reported to have said that he had been to the best book shop in the world.
We are proud of our history and our customers are essential to that history. Whether you are a recent, occasional, or longstanding and loyal patron of Parsons, Beatrice and I want you to know how much we have valued your support. We sincerely thank you.
Julian Parsons
Between now and March 14th, Parsons invites you to make the most of the opportunity to select some treasures before we close. All stock will be half price.
Image copyright Maarten Holl for Fairfax NZ
Article from The Dominion Post, 1 February 2013
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