Bookworm – Dubai’s first wholly independent children’s bookshop is a true home-grown business. It was founded some 22 years ago by business partners Simon Cory-Wright and Ruth Kiernan, both parents and avid readers. Passion for literature and storytelling – shared with our colleagues and customers alike, has grown into a wonderful community that’s fostered through both our nation-wide School Book Fairs and in both our Al Ferdous and Meadows Souk branches.
The Affect of Covid-19
The past year has been tough for our small business. Firstly, the start of the year saw the company forced to close its flagship store in Dubai. It was founded in 2001 and rapidly became a favourite with children and parents alike. Unfortunately, the Park & Shop complex, in which it was situated, was marked for demolition and everyone at The Bookworm was heartbroken to see this local landmark – the home of many fond memories for Dubai-rooted families – crushed to the ground. This was followed closely by the impact of COVID-19, which forced us to shutter up all physical aspects of our business. However, it is the incredible community we are a part of and privileged to serve, that drove us on. Against a backdrop of solidarity and support, we’ve been committed to keeping the seams of our community together.
Once lockdown eased and in line with government guidance, we put protective measures in place that would allow us to open our doors again – and our customers’ cooperation has ensured we can keep everyone safe and reading. The reopening of our Meadows Souk shop was well received and the customer feedback indicated that we had been sorely missed.
Finally, we’ve been busy behind the scenes (and the masks!) designing and preparing our new shop, which finally opened on the 17th of July, in the Ferdous Complex on Al Wasl Road. It is so important to us to rebuild a physical sense of community again and a welcome destination for reading, community and tolerance.