Petone’s Schrödinger’s Books has been named the nation’s best bookseller at the New Zealand Book Industry Awards. 

Located on Jackson Street, the two-year-old business attracted the judges’ attention for “a beautiful physical space, arresting windows and merchandising excellence, a focus on personalised customer service and commercial and community reach beyond their own doors”. 

“Their inventory is specific and curated, having developed a specialisation in Manga and a deliberate differentiation from their local competitor.

“They’ve rapidly opened up to social media, built a website, actively ramped up their events programs and ensured they are a part of the small community with numerous book clubs and cross-promotions with other local retailers,” the judges commented.

“They are resilient, resourceful, environmentally conscious and they understand their strengths.”

When the award was revealed on a virtual ceremony held via Zoom, a visibly stunned owner Mary Fawcett said: “I’m totally gobsmacked.”

The organisers said there were so many quality nominations for the Nielsen-sponsored Bookshop of the Year Award, the judges said they found it challenging picking a winner. 

“There are many wonderful bookshops in New Zealand with incredible histories. This year we honour a bookshop building its legacy within our amazing bookselling community.”

Booksellers Aotearoa New Zealand CEO Dan Slevin said the organisation is proud of all of its book stores for not just surviving, but thriving in the current challenging environment. 

“We were so impressed with Schrdinger’s Books tenacity, perseverance and creativity under trying times.”

Publishing Association of New Zealand Te Rau o Tākupu director Catriona Ferguson said the book industry is well-served by the passionate booksellers that are continuing to inspire in a changing environment.

The Book Industry Awards are organised by Booksellers Aotearoa New Zealand and PANZ Te Rau o Tākupu (the Publishers Association of NZ) and sponsored by Nielsen Book, providers of data and statistical insight to the whole industry.