KB 50th Anniversary Supplement by Kingston Bookshop

IBest wishes to KB for continued success

t gives me immense pleasure to congratulate Kingston Bookshop’s management and staff on the auspicious occasion of your 50th anniversary.

For half a century, you have been at the forefront of promoting literacy and learning in Jamaica, underscoring the belief that books are the portals through which knowledge flows, sparking creativity and innovation.

Leslie Ridout’s foresight in 1974 to enhance educators’ access to books has been foundational to your success. Historical insights from Manley in 1975 and Stephens & Stephens in 1986 underscored the importance of literate workers who are easier to train and essential for national economic growth. Today, Kingston Bookshop remains a step ahead, synonymous with educational materials and general reading, epitomised by the iconic blue KB bag that signals a new academic year.

Your adaptation to the digital era through initiatives like ‘Right Click,’ along with the addition of

Congratulations on your 50-year milestone Messages

‘Coffee Shops’ and ‘B2B businesses,’ demonstrate a dynamic approach to meeting the evolving needs of Jamaicans. As you mark this golden anniversary, I applaud your ongoing scholarship programme and your robust support for communities in the Kingston Business District and its environs, as well as schools, libraries, and other public institutions. Your contributions have ensured that beneficiaries are not only intellectually prepared but also socially and morally equipped to contribute to Jamaica’s ongoing development.

On this significant milestone, I extend my best wishes to Kingston Bookshop for continued success. I am hopeful that your dedication and achievements will serve as a beacon, inspiring others to follow in your footsteps. Happy 50th anniversary!

HIS EXCELLENCY THE MOST HON SIR PATRICK ALLEN ON, GCMG, CD, KStJ

Governor General

The book industry is a critical part of Jamaica’s development. As a key stakeholder in the education and general leisure sector, books help to shape our society. Kingston Bookshop (KB) has served as more than just a bookstore for the past fifty years. It has served as a valued public centre and an important source of information and education for children, parents, and teachers. It, therefore, gives me great pleasure to congratulate Kingston Bookshop on celebrating their 50th anniversary.

Since the establishment of the first retail store in downtown Kingston in 1974 by Leslie Ridout and Steadman Fuller Snr, Kingston Bookshop later expanded their retail products and services to keep pace with the digital age to include Internet and printing services, technology product,s and a coffee shop. Kingston Bookshop has also innovated to include Business to Business services in the stationery sector.

Known as the largest bookstore in the Caribbean, Kingston Bookshop currently has thousands of items in stock as well as available for immediate shipping. Its expanded and modern offerings include the sale of books, stationery, electronics, games, and gifts to customers in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean.

Indeed, Jamaicans and those in the Caribbean

ON, MP Prime Minister

have benefited greatly from KB’s commitment to advancing reading and education. Students, teachers, and readers of all ages have benefited from the provision of access to a wide variety of books and other educational resources. Over the years, Kingston Bookshop’s participation in corporate social responsibility, community and educational projects, as well as in launching competitions has demonstrated a strong dedication to contributing to the development of the country.

I commend the Board of Directors of Kingston Bookshop for their strategic leadership and dedication in obtaining and building the company’s brand reputation. I also extend gratitude to the staff at all retail outlets for their service to the company and the rest of Jamaica.

On behalf of the Government of Jamaica, I extend best wishes and success to Kingston Bookshop in all future projects and business operations. May you continue to positively impact the lives of those in Jamaica and the Caribbean.

Congratulations once more on your 50-year milestone in service to Jamaica.

THE MOST HON ANDREW HOLNESS,

IMessages

It is with great pleasure that I extend congratulations to Kingston Bookshop on its 50th anniversary. This milestone is a testament to your unwavering commitment to providing quality educational resources and literature to the people of Jamaica.

Founded in 1974, Kingston Bookshop began as a small storefront in downtown Kingston. What started as a single location has now expanded to multiple branches in several parishes across the island, each serving as a vital hub for books, educational materials, and stationery supplies. This growth is a reflection of your dedication to meeting the evolving needs of Jamaican students, educators, and readers.

As a leading bookstore in Jamaica, Kingston Bookshop has played an essential role in fostering a love for reading and lifelong learning. Your shelves are not only filled with textbooks and academic materials, but also with a wide range of genres that cater to diverse interests. By supporting local and regional authors and publishers, Kingston Bookshop has enriched our cultural landscape and provided a platform for others in the region and for Jamaicans

Congratulations and here’s to many more successful years ahead!

t is with great pleasure and heartfelt congratulations that I extend warm wishes to Kingston Bookshop on the remarkable occasion of your 50th anniversary. This milestone is a testament to your steadfast commitment to literacy, education, and community development.

In 1974, Leslie Rideout and Steadman Fuller Snr embarked on a journey that began with the opening of your first retail store in downtown Kingston. From those humble beginnings, Kingston Bookshop has blossomed into an institution, not only serving our local community, but also reaching across the wider Caribbean region.

Over the years, Kingston Bookshop has continuously evolved, expanding your services to include cyber centres, technology products, and even a cozy coffee shop. Your thriving ‘Business to Business’ (B2b) operations, along with the robust retail and wholesale markets, demonstrate your adaptability and vision. The retail stores across Kingston and Spanish Town, as well as your comprehensive stationery centre, have made a lasting

impact on the educational landscape of our nation.

Your dedication to national development is particularly commendable. For over three decades, Kingston Bookshop has generously offered scholarships, upgraded libraries, and provided numerous sponsorships, making a profound difference in the lives of many. This commitment underscores your role not just as a business, but as a pillar of support and growth within our community.

On behalf of the Ministry of Education and Youth, I applaud you for your outstanding service, innovation, and dedication over the past 50 years. May Kingston Bookshop continue to thrive and inspire future generations, fostering a love for reading and learning that will resonate for many more years to come.

Congratulations once again, and here’s to many more successful years ahead!

HON FAYVAL WILLIAMS Minister of Education and Youth

MARK J. GOLDING, MP Leader of the Opposition

Your impact on our society over the past 50 years has been significant

voices to be heard. This support has been crucial in promoting our literature and preserving our unique cultural heritage.

Kingston Bookshop’s involvement in community activities, literary events, and educational programmes further demonstrates its profound commitment to national development. Your sponsorship of initiatives such as book drives, reading competitions, and literacy programmes has had a significant impact on communities across the island, empowering individuals through education and knowledge.

On this golden anniversary, I salute the management and staff of Kingston Bookshop for your hard work, resilience, and dedication. Your impact on our society over the past 50 years has been significant, and I am confident that you will continue to inspire and educate future generations.

Here is to many more years of success and service to Jamaica.

II wish

you every success and many more milestones

in the future

BIAJ salutes Kingston Bookshop Ltd for your outstanding achievements Messages

take this opportunity to offer heartiest congratulations to Kingston Bookshop Limited on achieving your monumental milestone of 50 years.

Kingston Bookshop has made a yeoman’s contribution to the development of the City of Kingston as a vital corporate citizen and contributor to community development.

Your contribution to the community as an employer, assisting with critical civic programmes and consistently helping to maintain a clean city has been a hallmark of your company’s success. This selfless service is a testament to your positive impact on the city’s development and is an example to the wider corporate community of the City of Kingston.

Kingston Bookshop Limited fully embodies the spirit of the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) to making a difference in the lives of those we serve. Your family orientation and community awareness serve as an inspiration to us at the corporation and as a beacon for how companies should operate in our country.

As mayor, and on behalf of the KSAMC, I wish to commend your directors, employees, and the entire Kingston Bookshop family for 50 years of unparalleled service.

I wish you every success and many more milestones in the future.

HIS WORSHIP THE MAYOR OF KINGSTON COUNCILLOR ANDREW A. SWABY, JP Vineyard Town Division

On behalf of the Book Industry Association of Jamaica (BIAJ), I take great pride in extending congratulations to Kingston Bookshop Ltd on the celebration of their 50th anniversary. This milestone is not only a testament to your longevity, but also a reflection of your significant contributions to the education system here in Jamaica.

Since the inception of our association, Kingston Bookshop Ltd has been an integral member, with Mr Steadman Fuller standing as one of our esteemed founders. Your dedication and contributions to the education sector have been unparalleled. As one of the largest suppliers of books and stationery in Jamaica, you have played a pivotal role in ensuring that our schools have access to essential educational resources.

Moreover, your representation of local and major international publishers has expanded access to a diverse range of educational materials, further enhancing the educational landscape in Jamaica. We acknowledge and appreciate your substantial contributions, including the generous donations of books and financial support to educational

initiatives over the years.

NIGEL WALKER President

Kingston Bookshop Ltd stands as a pillar in our community, embodying dedication, integrity, and a profound commitment to education. Your achievements over the past five decades have not only fuelled the growth of your business, but have also positively impacted countless students and educators across our island.

On this momentous occasion, the BIAJ proudly salutes Kingston Bookshop Ltd for your outstanding achievements and profound contributions to the Jamaica education system. Your dedication to excellence and your support of small bookshops have been instrumental in the growth and development of our industry. May this anniversary mark not only a moment of reflection and celebration, but also a reaffirmation of your ongoing commitment to educational excellence and community service.

Book Industry Association of Jamaica (BIAJ)

OMessages

Your commitment to education sets a remarkable example for all of us

n behalf of the entire Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA), we extend our warmest congratulations to the Kingston Bookshop family on the occasion of your 50th anniversary. This remarkable milestone not only highlights your longevity, but also signifies your unwavering commitment to the development of education in Jamaica.

Over the past five decades, Kingston Bookshop has been at the forefront of providing educational resources to teachers, students, and the general public. Your dedication in ensuring that quality learning materials are accessible to all has played a significant role in enhancing the educational landscape of our country. Your extensive range of books, stationery, and other educational supplies has been instrumental in empowering and equipping our educators with the tools they need to educate and inspire their students.

We commend and appreciate the continuous efforts of Kingston Bookshop in promoting literacy throughout Jamaica. Through your strategic partnerships and outreach programmes, you have made valuable contributions to improving education in communities across Jamaica as well as empowering vulnerable groups of students who may have limited access to educational resources. Your commitment to promoting a culture of reading among our students has not only brought

joy to countless lives, but has also paved the way for a more inclusive and informed society.

The JTA recognises that the success of our education system relies not only on the dedication of teachers in the classroom, but also on the support we receive from organisations like yours. Kingston Bookshop truly exemplifies the essence of partnership and collaboration, consistently working hand in hand with the education sector to foster the growth and development of our nation’s learners.

As we celebrate this significant milestone with you, we express our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering dedication to the field of education. Your contributions have positively impacted countless lives, and we are confident that your passion for education will continue to make a lasting difference in the years to come.

Once again, congratulations to the entire team at Kingston Bookshop on your 50th anniversary. Your commitment to education sets a remarkable example for all of us, and we look forward to continuing our partnership in advancing the educational landscape of Jamaica.

LEIGHTON JOHNSON President Jamaica Teachers’ Association

The Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC) is pleased to commemorate this year’s 50th anniversary of long-standing member firm Kingston Bookshop. Over the decades since its establishment in 1974, Kingston Bookshop has been an active member of the JCC and has proudly represented its locale of origin in downtown Kingston, as well as its growth to becoming the Caribbean’s largest bookseller and, thus, an indispensable stakeholder in the Jamaica’s educational system through its support to institutions, families and individuals.

As it navigated an era when many experts warned that the threat presented by the advance of technology potentially destined retailers of educational material obsolete, Kingston Bookshop adroitly embraced and utilised those very technologies to expand its customer base and its portfolio of partnerships beyond the shores of Jamaica. This far-sighted proactivity augurs well for its longevity.

PHILLIP

RAMSON President Jamaica

Chamber of Commerce

We look forward to many more years of association with KB

As befits an organisation that values its relationships both for the present and the future, while embracing responsible corporate citizenship, Kingston Bookshop has provided significant support – in the form of awards and bursaries for high-achieving professionals, educational institutions and other worthy recipients throughout the education industry. Fittingly, in recognition of this fact, many, including the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce, have singled out this resilient, family-owned company for special recognition as true nation-builders.

On behalf of the JCC, I congratulate Kingston Bookshop on these 50 years and look forward to many more years of association with this exemplary organisation.

STEADMAN FULLER

Steadily leading Jamaica’s largest bookstore

Who would think that a young boy from a rural village without proper roads, running water, and electricity would grow to become the owner of the largest bookstore in Jamaica and possibly the Caribbean? Not even he, at the age of 14, saw such an accomplishment in his future.

Born in 1952 in the West Prospect section of Bog Walk, St Catherine, Kingston Bookshop founder Steadman Fuller Snr never imagined he would become the man he is today. “The map of my life was stuck in what happened around me,” says Fuller. “Most people were farmers and labourers and I had seen myself, to a

large extent, falling in that category.”

This changed when young Steadman moved to Kingston at 15 years old. It was there he attended high school, met a teacher he admired, and saw the teaching profession as a possible path for his life. “That was the first step away from the script I was prescribed as a young man,” says Fuller, who eventually enrolled in what was then Mico Teachers’ College. He later graduated and began his career as a school teacher in 1973.

an entrepreneur and family man, he serves as the custos of Kingston, a role he has played since his installation in 2010. Also dabbling in construction and operating a small farm in St Mary, which is in keeping with his early teenage vision for himself, he has very little downtime.

It was in 1974, however, that he embarked upon a new journey. After having spent his previous holidays from school working at the Society for the Promotion of Christian Knowledge (SPCK), he was invited to become a part of the new ownership of the organisation, which was to become Kingston Bookshop, as the SPCK was closing its operation. A year later, he gave up teaching to focus solely on the new business. That was also the year he met his wife-to-be, now Sonia Fuller, who was also employed at Kingston Bookshop.

Although Fuller was now in a very different field from what he studied, he had excellent guidance to assist with the transition. He says, “I had someone who was virtually my father, Mr Leslie Ridout, who was the

major shareholder in Kingston Bookshop when it started. I was pretty minor at the very beginning.”

He credits the late Ridout, who passed in 1996 and has a hall in the Kingston Bookshop headquarters named in his memory, for much of his business acumen and skills. “Every time I call the name, I remember what I’ve learnt from him,” he says.

As the leader of Kingston Bookshop, Fuller continued to build the business on the values of fairness, honesty, and integrity. Being raised in the church, like many Jamaicans, he benefited from a sound upbringing based on Biblical tenets, which have guided him throughout his career and life in general. Many Kingston Bookshop employees speak highly about the culture and environment within the organisation, and Fuller says this is because they are treated as partners, and even family.

When asked how his immediate family – his wife and four children – would describe him, Fuller says they regard him as quiet and not very expressive, making him cool, but not cold. Outside of his life as

But, when he does, he enjoys following sports, whether it’s the West Indies T20 cricket team or the American National Basketball Association. With children who serve as directors in Kingston Bookshop, Fuller has a solid succession plan in place and is looking forward to retiring in the near future. He hopes to use his time as a retiree to travel some more. There are already stamps in his passport from countries such as South Africa and Ghana, which he considers his ancestral home, and he intends to discover more on the African continent, particularly in Botswana and Kenya.

Today, KB operates eight bookstores and two warehouses – a far cry from the single location on King Street 50 years ago. Fuller has adequately educated and trained the next generation of Fullers to take over and continue his legacy. He is also incredibly grateful for the support the company has received from the Jamaican population since its inception. He says, “Even if I’m not here to walk with you for the next 50 years, the organisation will be here to serve you.”

Five decades in any business or career is a remarkable feat, even more so when coming from the humble beginnings of rural life in colonial Jamaica. The story of Steadman Fuller Snr serves as a stellar example of what anyone can achieve, regardless of their early circumstances. He will surely continue to inspire many others to achieve their full potential.

Steadman & Sonia Fuller

Steadman Fuller Snr

Long-serving Kingston Bookshop employees tell

their stories

Ask anyone what is the longest time that they have spent working in an organisation and it is unlikely that the answer will be 30 years or more. Ask the same question at Kingston Bookshop’s (KB) King Street location in downtown Kingston and the answers may surprise you. Thirty-two years. Thirty-eight years. Even 41 years! Employees having a long tenure at an organisation speaks volumes about its culture and environment.

Ruel Matthie, Janet O’Sullivan and Shernett Jackson can all attest to the welcoming and supportive atmosphere that has existed at KB for decades.

Matthie, currently the unit manager, started his journey with the iconic bookstore 41 years ago when a three-week stint arranged through his secondary school’s work experience programme turned into fulltime employment. “It was indicated to me that I could come back if I wanted,” says Matthie. “Because of my performance during my work experience, I didn’t have to apply. I just came.”

Matthie began, like many others, as a customer service representative. “Whatever job I was given then,

whether it’s going to the warehouse or different departments, it didn’t matter,” he says. “It exposed me to different things and I just loved my job.”

Considered to be a workaholic by his KB colleagues, Matthie worked his way up from assisting customers on the floor to becoming unit manager, a position he has held for over two decades. He says, “I never really paid attention to the years. I love working at Kingston Bookshop because of the feedback that I get each year from customers.”

While the customer appreciation is rewarding, Matthie also appreciates the family-like atmosphere and the helpfulness of his co-workers, which is a common thread throughout the history of the bookstore.

Janet O’Sullivan, a customer service representative and supervisor, fully agrees. She started at KB 38 years ago through the company’s summer programme. “Everyone was very friendly,” she recalls. “My first day was enjoyable.”

That initial day at work for O’Sullivan became one of thousands as she worked in different

‘KB United In Worship’

Kingston Bookshop (KB) launched its 50th anniversary celebrations with a heartfelt thanksgiving service at Webster Memorial United Church. The event, held on the exact anniversary of KB’s founding in 1974 – February 4 – was a significant milestone.

The Hon Steadman Fuller, custos of Kingston and KB’s managing director, delivered a poignant

address reflecting on KB’s growth from its modest beginnings to becoming a national bookseller. He emphasised KB’s dedication to literacy and community engagement.

Under the theme ‘Celebrating Our Story, Inspiring Yours’, KB outlined its mission for the year, highlighting its commitment to staff, patrons, and the Jamaican community.

Rev Harris (left) and Rev Carlyle (right)

customer service roles, leading her to eventually become the supervisor. Her proudest moment, however, was in 2022, when the company sponsored her to take a university course in supervisory management and she passed with distinction, placing second in the class.

While O’Sullivan’s colleagues might describe her as serious, customers affectionately call her ‘Aunty Pat’. She says, “I can’t even walk down the street. I’m very well-known downtown, thanks to Kingston Bookshop.

Having seen KB grow from having one store at 70B King Street in downtown Kingston to now operating eight stores and two warehouses, Aunty Pat is very proud to be a part of the company. She has fond memories of the preparations to open the other outlets, and is now stationed at the 74 King Street location.

Shernett Jackson, administrative assistant to the managing director, remembers her very first

day at the King Street location – February 19, 1992. “I was very timid, having never worked before in a public enterprise where we meet so many people,” she says. She was placed in an office opposite the managing director and was asked to do administrative work, which entailed typing letters, using the fax machine, and answering the telephone.

Thirty-two years later, Jackson still expresses her gratitude for the opportunity granted to her by Steadman Fuller Snr. “It felt like he had already decided to accept me before we even met,” she remembers. “During the interview, I felt very comfortable. He was friendly and pleasant, which put me at ease.”

To Jackson’s astonishment, Fuller Snr immediately informed her that she had been hired. She reflects, “He must have seen something in me that he believed would benefit the company. I’m not sure what it was, because I hadn’t been trained to be his assistant or to work in that particular area at the time.”

Jackson asserts, “Kingston Bookshop is a company that shapes young individuals into becoming responsible citizens in their adult lives.” The journeys of Jackson, O’Sullivan, and Matthie undoubtedly validate this claim. Over their years with the company, they have all experienced significant personal growth. The KB management is appreciative to still have them on the team, where they continue to make invaluable contributions to the organisation.

Ruel Matthie

Janet O’Sullivan

Steadman Fuller Snr

Sonia FullerSteadman Fuller Jnr

Ricardo FullerMilton DaleyShauna Fuller ClarkeTashana Johnson-Lynch

Exploring Different KB Departments/Stores

74 Warehouse

Spanish Town Store

HR Team

Exploring Different KB Departments/Stores

Book Wizard Ltd., proud distributor for Caribbean Educational Publishers.

Book Wizard Limited is committed to the growth and development of Jamaica by providing educational material of the highest quality and we will endeavor to uphold this standard.

70B Store

74 Store

Springs Store

Dispatch drivers

Exploring Different KB Departments/Stores

Liguanea Store

Marketing Department

The Script Cafe

Sales Department

Exploring Different KB Departments/Stores

Pavilion Store

Portmore Store

Purchasing Department 80 Warehouse

Exploring Different KB Departments/Stores

Royale Computers and Accessories proudly extends heartfelt congratulations on your golden milestone. Your dedication to fostering knowledge and community over the past ﬁve decades is truly inspiring. Here’s to many more years of success and impact!

With best wishes, The Team at Royale Computers and Accessories

Happy customers, the key to retail and wholesale success

It is often said that most businesses formed in Jamaica do not make it past five years. Somehow, Kingston Bookshop has thrived through this period multiple times, enabling it to celebrate its 50th anniversary now. It must also be noted that the company has not only survived, but thrived, growing from one location at 70b King Street in downtown Kingston to numerous outlets and subsidiary businesses.

Kingston Bookshop Director of Corporate Services Sonia Fuller can recall when the organisation’s first store at 70b King Street had only eight employees. Now, in 2024, the company has 170 employees, with another 160 during the back-to-school period, across eight stores and two warehouses. The key to its success

Sonia Fuller

and longevity over its five decades in operation has been exceptional customer service. She says, “Staying relevant means listening to your customers and responding.” She adds that providing a high level of service also requires constantly training staff and improving the shopping experience. With an extensive background in the store, from being a cashier to managing various departments, Mrs Fuller has learned a lot about dealing with customers and has imparted her knowledge throughout the company, contributing to its success. Among the positions in which Mrs Fuller has served are retail coordinator, director of administration, and acting senior HR manager.

“As someone

Sales Dept

RETAIL & WHOLESALE

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advancing through various levels in the organisation, I have ensured that those under our mentorship not only acquire technical skills, but also develop social skills,” says Mrs Fuller. “That is what has made our organisation very unique in the business sector.”

Mrs Fuller also credits Kingston Bookshop’s diversification for the company’s success. This includes its various offerings in books and stationery; electronics sold through Right Click; and coffee beverages, Jamaican meals, paninis, and wraps at The Script Cafe, located at the company’s plaza at 31 East Trade Way in Portmore. With so many products now available, Kingston Bookshop has made its most recent locations more spacious and attractive to customers, including areas for children inside of its stores and cyber centres, which Mrs Fuller introduced and helped to develop.

Mrs Fuller truly believes in meeting the demands of customers and forming solid relationships with them. Although she has 49 years of countless memories of positive interactions with customers, she recounts a special one named Pablo, who she met 46 years ago. “I used to have a student from Wolmer’s,” she recalls, adding that he visited every afternoon to purchase stamps for his stamp collection, which were sold in the store at the time. He could have been in first or second form at the time, and we developed such a great friendship. When I got married, he brought his mom and dad to meet me, and today, I still have the wedding gift they gave me.”

In addition to its traditional retail customers, Kingston Bookshop also has wholesale purchasers served by

a department managed by Sales Supervisor Karen Fuller, the wife of Ricardo Fuller. She places equal emphasis as her mother-in-law, Sonia, on developing relationships with the company’s customers. Customers consistently provide excellent feedback, especially valuing the one-onone relationships they have with her and the sales department team members, who are always accessible. Director of Strategy and Innovation Shauna Fuller Clarke says the wholesale department has more than a transactional relationship with its customers. “Many clients have approached me and other directors to express their satisfaction with the sales team, noting that it appears the team genuinely cares about them. They don’t just call to make a sale. They also reach out to inquire about their well-being,” she says.

Among the thousands of customers that Kingston Bookshop’s wholesale department serves are offices, banks, corner shops, haberdasheries, supermarkets, and pharmacies. Karen covers this wide range of customers with a team of six staff members. “I make sure I celebrate their wins,” she says. “We have times where we go out and lyme. It’s not about being their boss. It’s about being part of their family.”

The Kingston Bookshop family has more expansion in their plans, especially with the wholesale department. The organisation has significantly evolved beyond just selling books. The upcoming new offerings are certain to delight even more customers and ensure Kingston Bookshop’s success for another 50 years.

Karen Fuller

Customer Appreciation Week at Kingston Bookshop (KB)

Kingston Bookshop (KB) celebrated its cherished customers with a dedicated Customer Appreciation Week from February 5 - 10, 2024.

Under the theme ‘Celebrating Our Story, Inspiring Yours’, KB offered substantial discounts both in-store and online. The stores became havens of appreciation, treating customers to refreshing surprises throughout the week.

The event also launched the ‘15K Cheers Giveaway’, offering a $15,000 prize to one lucky customer each month until year-end.

KB’s Customer Appreciation Week was a resounding success, filled with gratitude, surprises, and future rewards, highlighting KB’s commitment to fostering a cherished community.

Educational Promotions Unit: A Pillar of Excellence

Kingston Bookshop (KB) stands as Jamaica’s premier provider of educational supplies, thanks to its dedicated Educational Promotions Unit (EPU). This unit, one of the oldest at KB, bridges the gap with publishers, the Ministry of Education, schools, and teachers. EPU’s welltrained professionals are representatives of the enviable portfolio, ensuring that the nation’s educational needs are met. As the sole representative for renowned international publishers like Oxford University Press, The Hodder Group, Macmillan Caribbean, and Royards Publishing company, EPU supports curriculum development and ensures accessibility. Led by manager Norman Livingston, this three-person team exemplifies commitment and excellence.

Kingston Bookshop

Staff Appreciation Day

Kingston Bookshop (KB) celebrated its dedicated employees with a special Staff Appreciation Day, hosted by the board of directors

The evening featured delectable cuisine, lively entertainment, and opportunities for connection, allowing the KB family to celebrate together.

Key announcements included the ‘FIT FOR 50’ Staff Initiative, focusing on holistic well-being and a new scholarship programme for employees and their dependents, reflecting KB’s commitment to personal and professional growth

The event concluded with each staff member receiving a token of appreciation, symbolising KB’s gratitude for their hard work and dedication.

Kingston Bookshop advances in the digital age

Kingston Bookshop has managed to succeed as a business for 50 years, and staying ahead of the curve is one of the strategies that has ensured the organisation’s longevity. All companies must adapt to survive. This is exactly what it did when it introduced its online store in 2012. Even though many Jamaican companies had not yet made the leap into e-commerce at the time, Kingston Bookshop understood where the market and societies globally were headed as the world became increasingly digitised. Being ahead of the curve has its pros, but also has its cons, one of which is the slow transition to doing business online in Jamaica. Admittedly, sales were slow in the beginning. Furthermore, local banks could not facilitate e-commerce as well as they do today. This reality changed gradually over time, with a major shift in 2020 as a result of the COVID19 pandemic, which forced businesses of all sorts and persons from all walks of life to

The KB Online Store, which updated its platform in 2022, provides multiple layers of security, creating a safe shopping experience despite the wide range of digital threats that exist today. Among the special features that will interest customers are the ability to get quotations generated and the offers of sales and discounts, which are only available in the online store.

begin interacting and conducting transactions online.

“At the time of our launch, we didn’t have Visa debit cards,” says Shauna Fuller Clarke, director of strategy and innovation. “We only had credit cards, which excluded a segment of the population from using our website. However, with the introduction of Visa debit cards and the increased use of cards in our society, we have seen significant growth.”

With greater access to and prevalence of online payment methods, combined with a world-changing pandemic, many Jamaicans

now understand and benefit from the convenience of shopping online. This is particularly advantageous for persons who are not mobile or are located elsewhere. Director and Special Projects Coordinator Tashana Johnson-Lynch says, “We’ve seen where a lot of our customers from outside of Kingston are coming from Montego Bay, Westmoreland, Portland, and St Thomas. So they are warming up to the concept of purchasing online.”

The KB Online Store, which updated its platform in 2022, provides multiple layers of security, creating a safe shopping experience

despite the wide range of digital threats that exist today. Among the special features that will interest customers are the ability to get quotations generated and the offers of sales and discounts, which are only available in the online store. Customers may either have their orders delivered or arrange pick-up in Kingston at Liguanea Post Mall, Springs Plaza, 70b King Street, or at the Spanish Town and Portmore locations. Customers will also be pleased to know that deliveries are islandwide and have one flat rate rather than according to weight or the number of packages. Although Kingston Bookshop is currently only servicing individual customers online, there are plans in place to eventually cater to the business’ wholesale customers across Jamaica and even outside of the island. Kingston is where this bookstore originated, but with its online store, it is already serving the country and the wider world with the books they need.

31 East, the real estate diamond in the KB crown

Within the last decade, the municipality of Portmore has experienced rapid growth and development. The area that was once considered a dormitory town is now ripe with new infrastructure, businesses, and opportunities. Kingston Bookshop is one entity playing a significant role in the expansion of this soon-to-be parish with its shopping plaza at 31 East Trade Way in Greater Portmore.

In February 2017, Kingston Bookshop Founder and Managing Director Steadman Fuller Snr tasked his daughter, Shauna Fuller Clarke, the company’s director of strategy and innovation, with managing the development of what is now a premier business complex in Portmore. Fuller Snr requested that the project be completed in time for the back-to-school rush that year. A nearly impossible undertaking, Fuller Clarke’s team had the challenge of constructing a new Kingston Bookshop outlet and creating an aesthetically pleasing plaza. Could it be done? It had to be! And it was! Fuller Clarke designed a project plan that saw her engaging with architects and other key players whose job was to not only meet the timeline set by Fuller Snr, but to provide Portmore residents with something innovative. Six months after he made his dream known, the hard-working team delivered and made it a reality. In August 2017, Portmore finally saw the opening of the new plaza, which is now commonly called 31 East.

“We’ve always had an interest in Portmore,” says Fuller Clarke. “We tried to acquire a property several years ago, but it didn’t work out. So when the opportunity arose to get this outlet, we seized it.” The complex now hosts a Kingston Bookshop, the largest bookstore in the region by square footage. It also features The Script Cafe, one of the new additions to the bookstore’s businesses, alongside Right Click, its tech ‘store within a store’.

The 31 East Plaza boasts a large parking lot, trees offering shade for visitors, and adequate seating for those who wish to relax a bit. The complex is not short on patrons on any given day, and it was welcomed and appreciated when its gates were opened. “Overall, the reception has been incredible,” says Fuller Clarke. “In the beginning, we had to put in significant effort to raise awareness for the location, but the growth in our customer base and sales over the years shows that it has been well-received.” The Kingston Bookshop outlet is spacious and has become the preferred store for many Portmore residents who previously travelled to Kingston, especially during the back-to-school season. With ample room for expansion, the company is likely to continue developing what it has established.

In its 50th year, KB continues to innovate and serve Jamaicans in a variety of ways. And for the people of Portmore, there is less reason to leave their municipality as the best in books, coffee, and even technology is right in the neighbourhood.

Shauna Fuller Clarke

Portmore Store

Kingston Bookshop rewrites the script with its own café

In April 2018, Kingston Bookshop expanded its enterprise to include a coffee shop in Portmore - The Script Café, located at 31 East Trade Way. This innovation by what is possibly the largest bookstore chain in the Caribbean was received with open arms by Portmore residents, who would usually travel to Kingston for a suitable remote-work location. The new business venture was born out of the need for these persons to have a place in where they could enjoy coffee, other cafe offerings, and great customer service. Director of Strategy and Innovation Shauna Fuller Clarke says, “When we went on our travels, we would see the almost natural pairing of a coffee shop with a bookstore, so we kind of tinkered with the idea for several years.” While this sort of innovation was not common in Jamaica, the opportunity to make their attempt arose when they opened their plaza at 31 East, which provided enough space for their largest outlet and other businesses. Their dream became a reality, and six years later, it has grown into what can be described as a ‘home away from home’.

The Script Café’s design and decor create a relaxing atmosphere, ideal for both unwinding and remote work. If customers need a break after shopping for books and stationery at Kingston Bookshop or electronics at Right Click, The Script Café offers a much-needed break they may not have anticipated. Anyone can relax, have a cup of coffee, and take the load off.

Tashana Johnson-Lynch, director and special projects coordinator at KB, dubs the café an oasis. “In Portmore, it is the only café of that nature,” she says. “It is a place where you can go to feel at home or the office, depending on which side of the cafe you want to sit. Customers can have more than just something to eat or a cup of coffee to drink. It is a place where you can find comfort. It’s cozy, welcoming, vibrant, and the staff there is exceptionally courteous.”

Johnson-Lynch says The Script Café’s blend of coffee and how it is made is a crowd-pleaser. This view is

supported by the fact that The Script Café won the award for the Best Coffee Drink at the Jamaica Coffee Festival in 2019. In addition to its award-winning coffee, which is made from scratch, the café’s menu includes paninis, a touch of Jamaican cuisine, and frappuccinos, which are customer favourites. “Even though you have cafés around town, there’s nothing that compares to the Script Café,” says Johnson-Lynch. The quality offered at The Script Café is so great that more outlets are being demanded by customers at other Kingston Bookshop locations and even in other parishes. While the business is only in Portmore at the moment, persons from Ocho Rios and as far as Montego Bay tend to visit for their remote work or to enjoy what is on the menu. At The Script Café, that is just another day, another cup of coffee.

The Script Café

Tashana Johnson Lynch

Kingston Bookshop thinking ahead with tech store

Welcome to the modern era, where if you are searching for the best in electronics and tech gadgets, the right pick is a bookstore. Yes, a bookstore! And more specifically, Kingston Bookshop’s Right Click, a store situated in seven of eight outlets across Kingston and St Catherine.

Launched in 2015, Right Click offers thumb drives, bluetooth speakers, headsets, phones, tablets, and even laptops and printers. Each outlet features a wide range of reasonably priced, high-quality devices and gadgets from an assortment of brands, including some that the store has introduced and helped to popularise locally such as Maxwell and MOX Electronics. Of course, many of the most common brands are also available at Right Click, making it the ideal place to shop for your technological needs.

Shauna Fuller Clarke, the director of strategy and innovation at

Kingston Bookshop, explains: “The idea for Right Click originated from our exposure to various bookstores during travel and through reading. We believed it would be beneficial to offer tech products and accessories.”

She further mentions that the company aimed to create a ‘store within a store’ to cater to people of all ages and make its products easily accessible.

“We want to create an experience

for the customer,” says Fuller Clarke. “We want them to have the convenience of coming to a one-stop shop to be able to get everything they might need, and, for us, we can’t ignore technology even though some booksellers might.” She notes that the book industry and the entire world, in general, has evolved since Kingston Bookshop was founded 50 years ago, so the organisation has always sought to diversify its offerings. This has led them to provide stationery, printing, Internet services, and even its coffee shop, The Script Cafe, located at 31 East Trade Way in Portmore, St Catherine. In recent times, schools have been putting electronic devices and accessories on their book lists for students, and with Right Click, Kingston Bookshop has properly positioned itself to meet this demand. Parents and students alike can easily buy the relevant books and stationery then walk over to the Right Click section

in the stores to purchase whatever technological items they also need for the school term or any other use. While Right Click is currently a ‘store within a store’, Kingston Bookshop’s directors have indicated that their wish and vision is for it to become much more in the future. Director and Special Projects Coordinator Tashana Johnson-Lynch says it is possible that one day, Jamaica will finally see Right Click as a standalone store. Kingston

Bookshop Founder and Managing Director Steadman

Fuller Snr shares a similar sentiment and hopes it will eventually stand on its own and become another independent outfit like the existing bookstores in which the Right Click outlets are currently

With seven locations already and a wide variety of products on sale, it is clear that Right Click is the right pick, not just for students and parents, but anyone searching for the best devices and gadgets.

Shauna Fuller Clarke

Tashana Johnson Lynch

Celebrating Jamaica’s Educators: KB’s Annual Teachers’ Luncheon

Kingston Bookshop (KB) honoured Jamaica’s educators with its annual Teachers’ Luncheon on April 30, 2024, under the theme ‘Celebrating Our Story, Inspiring Yours’.

Since 1988, KB has paid tribute to teachers in alignment with the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce’s Teacher’s Day initiative. This year’s event reaffirmed KB’s commitment to the community it has served for five decades.

Hosted by Dr Terri-Karelle Reid, the event featured remarks from Jamaica Teachers Association President Leighton Johnson and a keynote address by former Contractor General Dirk Harrison. The teachers were entertained throughout by special guests, adding a festive and engaging atmosphere to the celebration. A $2 million scholarship for advanced studies was announced, underscoring KB’s dedication to education.

The KB Teachers’ Luncheon celebrated and inspired educators, honouring their vital contributions to shaping young minds.

KB Summit 2024: ‘Navigating Success Together’

On May 29, 2024, the KB Sales Department hosted the KB Summit, celebrating and empowering wholesale customers. The theme, ‘Navigating Success Together’, highlighted collaboration and strategic partnerships.

Joan Davis-Williams delivered an insightful keynote address on market trends and customer engagement, while Shauna Fuller Clarke discussed leveraging innovation for a competitive edge.

CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE: AWARDS CEREMONY

The awards ceremony recognised outstanding customers:

• Webster’s Books & Stationery received the Rising Star Award

• Andjo’s Data, Brown’s Town Books & Stationery and Book Express won Top Partner Awards for Large, Medium and Small businesses, respectively

• Henderson’s Bookstore earned the Vanguard Award

The summit fostered community and collaboration, epitomising the theme of ‘Navigating Success Together’.

KB The Corporate Citizen: 50 Projects to Mark 50th Anniversary

To celebrate its 50th anniversary, Kingston Bookshop (KB) staff are undertaking 50 community projects. Approximately 50 per cent of the projects have been completed, showcasing KB’s commitment to giving back. These initiatives reflect the spirit of service and dedication that has defined KB’s legacy for five decades.

A Community Effort by KB Staff

On May 23, 2024, KB staff led a vibrant transformation of King Street, celebrating their home of 50 years with the King Street Beautification Project. This initiative showcased the power of volunteerism and community spirit.

KB team members revitalised the street by painting curb walls, cleaning planters, and repainting disabled parking signs. Supported by the KSAMC, the National Works Agency, and the fire brigade, they also cleaned and washed down the park area.

This project highlighted the impact of community-driven efforts, transforming King Street and strengthening community bonds. It set a precedent for future beautification initiatives in downtown Kingston.

KB Celebrates 50 Years with Staff Wellness Campaign: Fit for 50

Kingston Bookshop (KB) is celebrating 50 years of fostering a love for literature with the launch of its ‘Fit for 50’ Staff Wellness Campaign. This initiative underscores KB’s commitment to employee well-being beyond the bookshelves.

A Holistic Approach to Wellness ‘Fit for 50’ addresses physical, mental, financial, and

educational wellness. Weekly workout sessions promote health and fitness, fostering a sense of community and motivation. Educational seminars equip staff with tools for effective financial management and mental well-being. Additionally, a scholarship for a staff member or their child highlights KB’s commitment to lifelong learning and personal growth.

A Testament to Core Values

KB’s ‘Fit for 50’ campaign exemplifies its dedication to its employees as individuals, fostering a positive work environment. As KB celebrates its golden anniversary, this initiative highlights its unwavering passion for creating a thriving work environment.

The next generation to lead Kingston Bookshop

Employees across all departments and levels at Kingston Bookshop continually use the term ‘family’ to describe the company and its staff. Many organisations use the word casually, but at Kingston Bookshop, it is evident that they genuinely embody and practise it. After all, the company is family operated.

At the helm as founder and managing director is Steadman Fuller Snr. Right by his side is his wife of 46 years, Sonia Fuller, the company’s director of corporate services.”We shared the same values and beliefs,” says Mrs. Fuller. “We almost did things the same way. When a decision needed to be made, I could almost predict what he would do and vice versa.”

Steadman Snr and Sonia are supported by three of their four children in the business - Ricardo Fuller, director of training and development; Shauna Fuller Clarke, director of strategy and innovation; and Steadman Fuller Jnr, director of finance.

The elder Fuller says, “I think we’re blessed with some children that are very qualified in the business.” Each of them is well-educated and has been assisting at Kingston Bookshop’s flagship 70b King Street store since they were children. Ricardo, the eldest, says he was helping in the store every summer as a child whether it was in the stationery department or securing customers’ belongings at the bag counter. “Even outside of the summer holidays, if there was any time that we got picked up from school early, we’d end up always helping out in packing a shelf or pricing books,” he says.

Shauna shares a similar story. “I have memories from when I was about five years old, tinkering around and walking through the store at 70b King Street,” she recalls. “Once I became more responsible,

Mom, who was a cashier at the time, would sometimes ask me to put books into a bag and give them to customers.” This experience prepared all of them to become integral parts of the business. They now serve as directors, with a deep understanding of all aspects and departments. Steadman Jr., the youngest, adds, “We saw our parents take on different roles from a young age. We, essentially, grew up in the business, absorbing the values, operations, and hard work our parents demonstrated over the years.”

Ricardo, Shauna, and Steadman Junior have come a long way since packing shelves and wrapping books when they were children. Now that they are directors, along with their parents, they have found a way to work harmoniously together, maintaining a healthy respect for each other and focusing on establishing a consensus for important decisions. As the generation set to eventually take the mantle from Steadman Senior and Sonia, they will have to secure the organisation’s next 50 years. They all view it as an honour and privilege to inherit such a legacy but are well aware that it is a huge responsibility to uphold the standards already set.

Steadman Senior says he cannot yet name his successor as managing director. He adds, “When the time comes, I am confident they will all come together and agree on the right person.”

Ricardo mentions that while new management styles may emerge, they will not forget the foundation laid by their parents.

Shauna observes that her parents’ leadership styles, as well as her own, have evolved over the years.

“With every change in leadership, there is a shift based on priorities, trends, and global events,” she says while noting that their

leadership may not be very different from what Steadman Senior and Sonia have observed in the younger generation. “Keeping the business in the family ensures that your values and vision remain intact, and it fosters a sense of continuity and loyalty that is sometimes hard to replicate,” says Steadman Junior.

The young directors all indicate that the future of Kingston Bookshop will see more diversification of product offerings, expansion, and even new markets. The company is now consolidating its warehouse operation in a new state-of-the-art building with much more space, which will allow them to grow their distribution in the near future.

With a company this large and successful over five decades, it is likely that many Jamaicans would love to see Kingston Bookshop listed on the Jamaica Stock Exchange. Steadman Senior says it is a decision that is on the table, and while it is not imminent, it is not far off either. Whether the company remains private or becomes publicly listed, it is clear that Ricardo, Shauna, and Junior are prepared to lead, making their parents proud, and continuing to serve Jamaica by supporting the lifelong learning of the country’s citizens.

Fullers

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