After serving the community for more than 17 years, Collins Booksellers in Shepparton is now up for sale, as its owners, Helen and Joe Sofra, prepare for a well-deserved retirement.
The iconic bookstore, nestled in the heart of town, has been a hub for book enthusiasts and literary lovers alike, and the impending sale marks the end of an era.
However, customers can rest assured that the business will not close, and even under new ownership, it will continue to operate as a cherished literary haven.
Reflecting on their journey, Mrs Sofra reminisced about the early days of their foray into the bookstore business.
“It was Book City in those days,” she said.
“We had been customers of the business, our children loved books, and my husband’s previous job involved a lot of driving, where he developed a fondness for audiobooks.
“So when our children were older, and the opportunity arose, we thought it was the perfect time for us to run a business."
Shortly after the Sofras took the reins of the store, The Collins Group acquired the Book City franchise, bringing new opportunities.
“The help and support we receive from head office is amazing,” Mrs Sofra said.
However, taking on a business came with its challenges; over the years, the store weathered various storms.
“We had the global financial crises, droughts, bushfires, COVID and floods,” Mrs Sofra said.
“But the business survived through all those things. And we’re still here.”
Despite the challenges, the Sofras experienced more ups than downs, making the journey worthwhile.
“The customers, they’re just the loveliest people,” Mrs Sofra said.
“We’ve had one customer named Joyce. She would arrive with cheese, scones, or gingerbread when she came to the bookstore.
“On other occasions, when we managed to get a book a customer urgently needed as a gift, they would come to collect it and give us a bottle of wine.
“We’ve had customers who brought in packets of Tim Tams, and it’s great because it shows that they appreciate what we’ve done.”
Mrs Sofra acknowledged that the decision to retire was not easy.
“The idea of not going to work every day would be a bit foreign,” she said.
“But it’s been a long time, and especially during COVID, it was physically and mentally draining.
“We’re also at that age to be looking at retirement.”
With elderly parents who need their attention, the Sofras yearn for the flexibility to spend quality time with their loved ones.
Nevertheless, Mr and Mrs Sofra firmly believe the spirit of Collins Booksellers will continue to thrive under new ownership.
“When you get into this business, you absolutely love it,” Mrs Sofra said.
“The right person for the business will put their stamp on it but keep everything that makes it great.
“I hope that it will be bigger and better.
“I think it’s the sort of business that has longevity.
“To survive what it’s been through and come out on the other side as well as it has is just great.”
Mrs Sofra highlighted the qualities and skills that would be beneficial for taking over the bookstore: “Just a passion for books and their community.”