Local books and stationery store, Paper Plus Coastlands has been awarded as the best in the country, taking out the prestigious title of THORPE-Bowker Group Bookshop of the Year.
The announcement was made on Thursday night at the Booksellers NZ Conference Dinner & Industry Awards, held at Auckland’s Rendezvous Hotel, which saw Paper Plus Coastlands go up against some of the country’s finest bookshops.
The store recently celebrated its outstanding achievement at the Paper Plus Gala Awards, where they took out the top spot for book sales, beating 107 other stores nationwide to claim the title.
Store owners Rob and Kaye Clarke were thrilled to receive the recognition at the esteemed New Zealand Book Industry Awards, and say that the store’s huge achievement could not have been done without their dedicated team of staff who continually strive to better their store.
“Receiving this award, on the back of our Paper Plus Gala Dinner achievement last week, is such a thrill. It’s a true credit to our staff and loyal customers, many of whom have been there for us since the beginning. We are so proud to be a part of the Paper Plus Group and receiving this award is testament to the fantastic support we have had over the years as part of a successful franchise system,” says Kaye.
Paper Plus Group Chief Executive, Rob Smith, says: “We are delighted for Rob and Kaye who have consistently shown initiative and creativity, something that plays a huge role of acquiring the title of Group Bookshop of the Year. Their store is one to be admired and it’s only right that they are the big winners at this year’s New Zealand Book Industry Awards.”
