Hello, dear FRIDA community!
We’re back from our delightful shopping spree across the UK, and we’re bursting with excitement to share all the wonderful things we’ve brought back for you! Our trip was nothing short of an adventure as we scoured over 20 bookshops, explored charming streets, and discovered some of the cutest new products from your favorite brands like Bookishly and Lisa Angel. We’ve returned with our hearts full, our minds brimming with ideas, and our suitcases stuffed with treasures.
One thing that struck me on our journey was the traditional layout of most English bookshops. Rows and rows of books as far as the eye could see—nothing but shelves of endless stories. There’s something comforting in that simplicity, but here at FRIDA, we’ve always believed that book shopping should be an experience, not just a transaction. That’s why we’ve designed FRIDA to be more than just a bookshop—it’s an art gallery, a cozy café, and a place where every corner tells a story.
Balancing creativity with practicality in our displays is something I constantly tinker with. While many bookshops seem content with a bit of clutter, I’m always striving for that perfect mix of order and inspiration. One trend I noticed during our visits was how these shops prominently display more front covers rather than just spines, making the experience more visually appealing. I can’t wait to incorporate this idea into FRIDA, making our book displays even more inviting for you.
We also fell in love with the personal touches in many UK bookshops—handwritten cards, reviews, and shop-branded goodies that add a layer of charm. Inspired by this, we’re working on introducing FRIDA-branded cards and notebooks soon, so keep an eye out for those!
And while it might seem early to mention, I can’t help but feel a flutter of excitement for the upcoming holiday season. We’ve brought back some beautiful Christmas cards and wrapping paper that I know you’ll love. After all, what could be better than curling up with a good book by the Christmas tree?
Lastly, a quick shoutout to all the students out there—don’t forget about our student coffee deal! Enjoy a free coffee with any purchase until August 29th, as a warm welcome back to town.
We’re thrilled to have you join us on this journey, and I can’t wait to share all the new things we have in store. See you soon at FRIDA!
Warmly,
Gemma
Founder of FRIDA Book Café
P.S.: That's Laura in the picture, my dear co-worker, in front of FRIDA. She joined me on our UK trip! She’s wearing the jumpsuit we bought together in London and holding a print from one of our favorite suppliers, Studio Inktvis. You can purchase it, including the frame, for €29.95 in our shop. The picture, not the jumpsuit :)