In celebrating Women’s Month, the CCID spoke to female leaders in government, business and civic society in the Central City. We published some of their comments in the Winter 2016 issue of City Views. Here is a Q&A with Henrietta Dax, proprietor at Clarke’s Bookstore. Stay tuned throughout August to meet more wonder women of the Cape Town CBD.
What brought you to the CBD in the first place and how long have you been here?
Clarke’s has always been in Long Street. It was founded in about 1956 by Anthony Clarke. We were at 211 Long St until four years ago when we moved three shops down to 199.
What makes your business venture unique or unusual?
We sell new and old books on South Africa and a large selection of general second-hand books, as well as very old African maps.
Why did you want to do this?
I have always loved books. I inherited this from my father who left a library of over 7 000 books.
What would you like to see in the CBD that you think would bring more business to the area – and complement your own?
We would love to see more small delis, bakeries, coffee shops, upmarket restaurants, galleries and book and antique shops up our end of Long Street.
What is it about the Cape Town CBD that you enjoy?
We enjoy the street life and being in the centre of town near Parliament, courts and lawyers’ chambers. We love the diversity of customers we have.
What has been your best time in the CBD?
The 2010 FIFA World Cup when Long Street was closed during the day. I also enjoyed Cape Town Art Fair, the annual Community Chest Twilight Team Run and World Naked Bike Ride over the Cape Town Cycle Tour weekend.
Clarke’s Bookshop
199 Long St
www.clarkesbooks.co.za
021 423 5739
(Photo courtesy of Ellen Elmendorp)