Prospero The Book Company

ugh Prospero has long been one of my favorite places but yesterday I was chased out by loud music store music. Please Prospero I know you’re now owned by Coles now but please don’t follow the trend to turn book stores into night clubs.

After a meeting at the Albert and Bank Bridgehead, I was strolling back to my parking spot and was caught by the one thing that is always sure to lure me into a building — tables and tables of books on sale!
I’ve known Prospero has existed for some time as I used to work in the neighbourhoood, but I’ve never stepped inside. Foolish me! This place is kind of like a small Chapters, which brings together two of my favourite things — smaller bookstores, and cute gifts! They are part of the Indigo brand, so they do accept the Plum rewards cards and carry some of the same stock (I really noticed this in the gift shop aspect). Although I love the allure of an independent bookstore, I actually appreciated that they accept the rewards cards, but they really do maintain an indie feel which I like.
The sale tables outside had stellar deals, especially on children’s books. They also had great deals on some bestsellers. When I walked in I was greeted by Susanne, a lovely staff member inquiring if she could help me with anything, and quickly located the book I was looking to pick up. While I was browsing I overheard Lyssa, the other staff member working, interacting with a customer, and I was blown away by the attention and advice she gave him on a new book series she thought he might enjoy. This guy certainly seemed like a regular, and I could tell he was thrilled with the customer experience he received.
As mentioned, they’re a much smaller store than your typical Chapters/​Indigo, so they don’t have the same selection, but they do have a really great variety of books. I’m sure they would also order something in if they didn’t have it in stock, or point you to another place that might have it.
If you’re looking for exceptional customer service and a more intimate book shopping experience, this is the place to go. It’s super convenient if you’re downtown, located right at the corner of Bank and Slater.

Walking by Prospero, I spotted a lot of sale signs, so, naturally, I had to check it out.
For the size of the store, they actually have a decent selection of books, many of which are fiction and literature. Given, it’s right after Christmas, but they had so many sales. They had a clearance table, which was actually empty, but they also had a table that had books under $ 10, and many others around the store were between 20−30% off. Calendars were also 50% off, and they had a pretty good selection of these as well. Don’t come in here looking for magazines, though, as they’re all stacked on one shelf in the corner.
They also have board games, children’s games, yoga and pilates boxed sets, and quirky little office supplies.
Their prices aren’t as bad as I thought, especially if you buy something during one of their sales. I wasn’t aware that you can use your iRewards points card when making purchases, like you would at Chapters or Indigo. What was confusing was that there was a sign that said «Indigo​.ca», but a customer service representative was wearing a vest that said «Coles» on the back. Either way, iRewards card holders rejoice!

I walked in here expecting to find shoes but to my surprise The Book Company actually sells books. Lame jokes aside, this place is far from lame.
They have a large selection of books and calendars and a good concentration on a lot of local authors. I was hunting for a book for my Dad written by a newspaper columnist and was happy to find it but surprised to see others he and his colleagues had written.
The store is large and well laid out. You’ll find a lot of public servants here at lunch or after work as people wait for the bus it’s a good place to warm up and make or at least consider some purchases.
The prices are OK but I would say a bit steeper than the big box book stores.
Check out the local stuff at the very least, even if you don’t buy.