Samson - Present

Samson and Radhi decided to officially open the doors on Monday which meant final touches during the weekend.

The back wall from the little haberdashery was knocked down and suddenly the space looks different and a lot bigger. In the previous days they did all the paintings. Old jeans and T-shirts saw the lights of the day again and, one week later, they ended up with a lot of paint stains. Lulu chose the colour palette and decided most of the decoration. In the past, she was always complaining about the boys’ lack of style, even bugged them about attracting more clients if the bookshop looked more pleasing to the eye. This is when she started to mention the idea of a space where people could sit and have a hot drink or even nibble something. “Let people take time to decide which book to take!” she said during the business meeting requested by her three years ago. The associates couldn’t believe their eyes and ears when Lulu came through the doors dressed in office clothes. She seemed a totally different person, sitting there explaining her concept. All their questions were answered showing that everything had been well planned. The interview ended with “We’ll think about it…” which sounded a “no, thank you” to her. But she was wrong, oh, so wrong.

For two years, both men secretly contacted friends and loyal clients all over the country to help them find a perfect spot for their new establishment. They got some nice options and ended up choosing an old but now rehabilitated neighbourhood suggested by one of Samson’s friend. Money was never a problem and their business would carry on with selling online for a year. The only headache was to survive Lulu’s excitement and commands throughout this time. That human tornado could be too controlling but it was all about her dream anyway, and that is why the boys were considerate. They worked from home with boxes full of books that were distributed according to the genre among the three apartments. Five weeks ago, with the key in their hands, they changed places. They are sharing an apartment for the start, then, as soon as the bookshop opens, each one will find a new home nearby. It was their understanding that it’s nice to be together during the day but living in the same house can cost their relationship, so, a long time ago, they decided to respect their personal corners. Occasionally they meet in their free time, agreeing that work is a forbidden topic - a rule hard to follow, as they share the love for books.

The front door was painted red with hanging vases on the outside. During summer, they need to climb a tiny ladder to water these plants, so rainy days are considered perfect for the three. Because Lulu loves calligraphy so much, she made two double-sided handwritten signs which hang on the right door window. The top sign welcomes the clients when they go in the place and bids farewell when they leave. The other one will be reversed according to whether the bookshop is open or closed. When people reach the door handle, they can see a white heart shaped wind chime hanging on the left side. Inside the shop, the walls were painted dark grey contrasting with the white of the counter and the remaining old shelves. It was a way of honouring their previous shop. Books are displayed in tall bookcases on both sides of the establishment. On the right side, after the counter, low tables and comfortable armchairs are distributed till the back culminating in a small bar where clients can order their snacks or hot drinks. To pique people’s curiosity, small creatures were placed here and there.

- And finally our bookshopfe is ready to open. - Lulu smiles with her hands on the hips, proud of her work.

- Never, never ever, use that word again, sis… - Radhi takes his jacket and hands Lulu her purse while Samson switches off the lights. Before closing the door, Samson turns around and smiles with the final cosy achievement. Finishing sooner than expected implied a well-deserved rest on Sunday.