Penguin Random House U.K. Launches "My Independent Bookstore"

"Through our conversations with readers on the Penguin Random House UK consumer panel, Bookmarks, we've already received some wonderful anecdotes from book lovers about how they will build their ideal bookshop. We hope to inspire ongoing conversations around books and deliver great stories to readers in a fun and very personal way."

Those readers who don't want to set up shop can still wander down virtual high streets, browse friends' or best-loved authors' windows and discover - and buy - great books. All books in the virtual shops are available to buy online through hive.co.uk, the ecommerce arm of Gardners wholesalers, which is connected with hundreds of independent bookshops across the UK. As part of the registration process, 'My Independent Bookshop' users can choose their favourite real-world independent bookshop to connect with. Hive will then pass a commission from any purchase made through the website to their chosen shop.

Outlining his support for 'My Independent Bookshop', author Terry Pratchett, said: "Independent bookshops supported this jobbing genre author long before the geeks were let out of their wardrobes, being able to support these talented retail wizards through 'My Independent Bookshop' is a very, very good thing. The personal aspect of sharing recommendations in your own online shop gives readers the ability to discover surprising new worlds in an interesting way. Go on, have a virtual rummage around - you'll never know what you might find."

Commenting on the partnership, Julie Howkins, eCommerce Manager at Gardners, said: "We're delighted to be partnering with Penguin Random House UK. This collaboration allows hive to be part of a fantastic initiative which will not only encourage people to share their passion for reading and books with like-minded people, but will also help support hundreds of independent bookshops across the UK."

'My Independent Bookshop' was devised and developed in partnership with independent digital agency, Collective.