Claudia Magauer & Stefanie Empl

“Once upon a time, ...” – that’s often how the most beautiful stories begin. Such as the one of “Ellmauer bookshop” – this one goes back to the year 1983. “It’s always been our father’s dream to run a bookshop”, says Claudia and remembers the time in which her dad full of dedication together with his wife built up the bookshop. These days, she runs the shop in Mittersill herself together with her sister Steffi, the youngest of four siblings. Isabell looks after the branch in Zell am See, brother Thomas coordinates events and also helps the sisters out in word and deed at any time. And mum also likes to lend a hand. “Even if she has thoroughly deserved retirement, we don’t completely leave her out yet”, Claudia smiles.

Apart from family, everything in her world revolves around new publications, best-sellers, special works and – her customers’ requests. “Especially last year we saw just how valuable it is being able to rely on our customers. In return, they can rely on us at any time and that suits us fine.” The imposed closure was a huge challenge for the family business – but, or exactly because of that, they mobilised everything to keep meeting customers’ requests without limitation even during this period. “You have to come up with something if you want to survive as a shop selling non-essential goods”, Claudia says thoughtfully. “We spared no effort and now we are incredibly proud of this – especially of our staff, on whom we can rely to 100 %”, Steffi adds with a smile.
”We sent product photos by WhatsApp, gave advice on the phone, ordered goods and stored them for customers to pick up later.” Despite the current online-hype – Claudia and Steffi have the feeling that there’s been a change in thinking. “Many of our customers thanked us in person, regular customers return with a beaming face to browse and have a chat, we have also managed to gain new customers.” Full of joy they note that people are increasingly shopping with awareness and want to support the local economy. And what they offer spans a wide spectrum: In addition to the wide range of books, it’s especially the lovingly selected gift items, games, arts and craft ideas and the classic school and office supplies that delight our customers