Should we say goodbye to China's first professional video themed bookstore? Person in charge "Facing Reality" Zhou Xiaoqin | Book Exhibition | Theme
Hengshan · Heji is still going to close its store. On the evening of August 14th, Zhou Xiaoqin, the brand operation director of Heji, confirmed this news to reporters: "Facing reality, readjusting and starting again."
Shanghai residents familiar with Xujiahui are familiar with several old Western style buildings at the intersection of Hengshan Road and Tianping Road, because they are adjacent to the Xujiahui commercial district to the south, which is also known as the "backyard of Xujiahui". In 2015, this place was renamed "Hengshan Fang" and the four Western style buildings along the street were collectively referred to as Hengshan · Heji. The most golden corner position among the four buildings is the bookstore that people later became familiar with - Hengshan Heji Dr White.
Hengshan · Heji is operated by Fangsuo Bookstore, which is a cultural brand under the clothing brand "Exception". In November 2015, Hengshan · Heji opened its doors to welcome guests at Hengshan Square, marking the first "test of the water" for Fang's location in Shanghai. It integrates film theme space, image theme space, magazine museum, and "harmony collection", with the meaning of "harmony brings harmony but not separation, and collection brings reunion but not separation", showcasing a complex business format. Here, there is philosophical thinking, life aesthetics, artistic concepts, cultural creativity, and mixed content that grows freely in a compact space.
In late August last year, there was news that Hengshan Heji was close to the lease and was about to close its store. Many people are reluctant to leave "China's first professional bookstore with video theme" and "one of the most comprehensive and professional imported magazine bookstores in Chinese Mainland". After some twists and turns, on September 10, Hengshan Heji WeChat official account issued a document "Heji is still here in September", in which it said that the bookstore could continue to be stationed under the initiative of the Xuhui District Government and the efforts of many parties. "We never had an official announcement, we just wanted to make a final effort," Zhou Xiaoqin told reporters at the time. Hengshan Heji has always received support from the owners, "but for a bookstore, the rental burden in Xujiahui is indeed not low."
After renewing the contract last year, Hengshan · Heji underwent a renovation and made adjustments to the layout of the store, making the space more spacious. But due to the renewal period being only one year, it is "difficult to continue". A few days ago, Hengshan Heji's WeChat official account once sent an article saying "seek a predestined person", which was later removed. Zhou Xiaoqin said, "It's difficult for the store manager to give up for a while, and he hopes to get the support of like-minded people on the venue.". "Will there be any future gatherings?" Zhou Xiaoqin replied to the reporter's question, "There will be. Let's take a breath first."
The 2023 Shanghai Book Fair and "Bookish China" Shanghai Week will be held from August 16th to 22nd, and Hengshan Heji will also hold several reading sharing sessions during the book fair. The bookstore stated that the activities during the book exhibition will be held normally.
