S F Cody to grow book sales

S F Cody, the gift shop chain, has set its sights on growing book sales through its high street branches and mail order business.

Claire Strickson, S F Cody head of merchandising, said books was a relatively new market for the 15-strong UK chain but was a growth area. More books were sold through the high street stores than through its mail order channel.

She said that the chain's customers were interested in books with a contemporary lifestyle feel. "When they come in, they are looking for interesting gift ideas, and they may walk out with a book. We would stock anything that might make a good gift. Humour is popular. It's all about gift potential."

The chain's buyers would be interested in talking to publishers who had "good ideas", she said. But quantities taken would depend on the margin offered.

S F Cody is owned by Retail Variations, which also owns Past Times. The retailer has opened six shops in the last year.