- For just R65 a pop, readers came from far and wide to stock their bookshelves. This year, Fourways Mall in Johannesburg was the host of the annual book bonanza.
- All books on sale are priced at R65.
- National and international book lovers make their way to the sale.
With just over 24 hours left, Exclusive will put a full stop on its annual warehouse sale. Starting on July 24, 2025, the nine-day sale was
established to both decrease excess stock and financial barriers to accessing literature in South Africa.
Exclusive Book’s customers looking for books during the sale. Photo: Sechaba Molete
Initially, books went for just R35 and were sold out of a warehouse in Kramerville. Now, malls have become the sale’s newest hosts and prices have been bumped up to R65 a book. Despite this increase, customers still feel they are getting a bargain, as average book prices in-store range between R400 and R800.
“I love reading and I just love the escapism of it. Unfortunately, as a student, it’s not very affordable to buy books every single month. So, this is really nice! To be able to get five books for the price of one,” said final year BCom management student from Varsity College, Tatenda Mudzwana.
Fourways Mall’s crowded centre court reflected Mudzwana’s sentiment.
“There are actually people who come from as far as Limpopo and even ones who cross the border from Zimbabwe, Malawi and Kenya,” said Exclusive Book’s manager, Mapula Mlikhwa.
Fourway’s Mall patron looking at the warehouse sale. Photo: Sechaba Molete
Despite the attention the sale has garnered thus far, some customers do not think that Exclusive Books can be credited with equaling the playing field for literature lovers in South Africa’s unequal economy.
A customer who refused to be named believes that the sale being in Fourway’s is an inherently exclusionary decision.
“Not everyone can get here. A guy from Thembisa can’t easily get here. A barrier to access still exists because of its location. The concept is good, but if you really want to reach people who can’t buy a book for R650, you also need to get to where those people are situated,” he explained.
Exclusive Book’s prepared paper crates for the customers who could afford to fill them. Tomorrow morning will be the last day the trestle tables will be restocked, a window sales manager, Mlikhwa suggested is best for the final shop.
FEATURED IMAGE: Exclusive Book’s customers looking for books during the sale. Photo: Sechaba Molete
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