Heffers Bookshop

An excellent bookshop in the centre of Cambridge, with a huge range of both academic and more mainstream texts. I was after a copy of Pevsner, (eclectic tastes, I'm afraid) and they had the full range in stock. Great stuff. Very knowledgeable and helpful staff. A long queue formed on my visit, but they got in 2 extra staff to tackle it after less than a minute.


Recommended.

They don't take refunds on statute books (a book which has the law of something on it, in my case the Companys Act, 2006 and related laws). Something they didn't tell me when I first purchased the product. Something that wasn't reflected in the receipt. Something that wasn't on a sign on the counter. All they could offer was "sorry". What is the reason for this, I asked? Because statute books can be photocopied and returned. But that is the same for ALL books in theory. Actually it is even less likely for statute books, because YOU CAN PRINT IT FOR FREE ON THE INTERNET. I imagine they must have other nonsensical policies out there just waiting to bite you.


Out of principle, I won't be buying anything from this place ever. Amazon here I come.

A shadow of its former glory, Heffers still has something to offer - a less corporate feel than Waterstones and a good education section being part of it. Recommended for the informed bibliophile.

Heffers used to have a chain of independent bookstores, music and art shops across Cambridge. It's a sad sign of the times but the one big bookshop is now owned by a chain and what was the Grafton Centre's only bookstore is now a pound shop!


All that aside, Heffers in Trinity Street has a great range of books, ranging from children's fiction to adult novels to a massive range of educational material, reference books etc. And unlike some of the big chains, it books that unique phenomenon - good customer service and staff that are actually really passionate about reading and know about books!

A very large bookstore with quiet a big selection of specialist literature.


But no university discount, not accepting Amex cards, in short not very consumer friendly.


There is a loyalty card scheme giving you £5 per £100 you spend, but the immediate 10% off for students at Waterstones is better. I wouldn't advise shopping here if you fall within the latter categories, unless they have something not available elsewhere.


On the bright side, there is a pleasant quiet cafe on the ground floor hidden within the shop.

Forget Borders and Waterstones, Heffers may be relatively small, but the staff are simply the most clued-up booksellers in Cambridge.
Also, you can get the daily broadsheets at the student price on weekdays: Times, Grauniad, Indy and Torygraph are all 25p!
The map department is also very good indeed.

It's nice to come across a bookshop that has staff that still take pride in what they do and that they haven't been swallowed up by Waterstones or put out of business by Amazon. Not only do they have all the regular books but they always seem to have a good few extra that you never find elsewhere. The travel section is very comprehensive and there is a great selection of foreign films there that are well worth a look. There is a cafe in the back if you fancy a break and the layout is clear and easy to navigate. They seem to have quite a few book signings there as well with some well known and some less well known authors signing books. Even if they don't they still tend to have left over signed copies for sale so it's worth a look to see if your favourite author is there.

What bookshops used to be like! If you have a choice between the souless chains and Heffer's you should go to Trinity Street; this place is fantastic. The staff know their sections inside out and can research and advise with authority. Book signings are excellently organised and there is always someone quite eccentric reading about tractors on an arm chair ;-) Long live Heffer's!

A fantastic bookshop that caters for everyone, from the casual reader to the academic. The staff are knowledgeable and provide a friendly service. Much more character than Waterstones or other high street bookstores and a much more extensive range of literature.