Meet the Business: Waterstones

For book lovers in Walton-on-Thames, Waterstones isn’t just a bookshop; it’s a haven of stories, discovery, and community. At its heart is manager Mark Hammett, who brings over 50 years of local knowledge and five years of experience running the Walton branch. In this edition of Meet the Business, we sit down with Mark to explore his connection to Walton and the passion he and his team bring to their work.

A Local’s Love for Walton

Mark has lived nearby for over 50 years and has been part of the Walton community through his role at Waterstones. “I love the proximity to green spaces and the river while still being within easy travel distance of London, Kingston, and Richmond,” he says. It’s clear that Mark treasures the balance Walton offers—a peaceful riverside escape with the convenience of city connections.

When he’s not at the store, you might find Mark enjoying the simple pleasure of watching the world go by at Cowey Sale by the river. “It’s one of my favorite spots in Walton, especially when I have a moment to spare.” For those seeking a cosy spot for a coffee, Mark recommends The Wilde Brunch Cafe, located down by the river, where he enjoys relaxing and soaking in the atmosphere.

Mark also recommends The Riverhouse Barn, which “offers a fantastic variety of entertainment for those exploring the area, but for anyone who loves books, a visit to Waterstones is a must.”

The Community Bookshop Experience

Mark’s lifelong connection to the area is one of the reasons he chose to work in Walton. “Having lived nearby all my life, I wanted to work here because I know the area and the people so well. Being embedded in the community helps when dealing with customers; you’re more likely to know about them and understand what kinds of books they’d enjoy.”

This personal touch is what sets Waterstones Walton apart, creating a familiar and welcoming space for both locals and visitors.

In an era where many retailers focus on impersonal online sales or simply shifting a narrow range of bestsellers, Waterstones in Walton remains refreshingly committed to a personalised approach and a belief in the joys of a widely varied book offering.

“We tend to eat, drink, and breathe books,” Mark says with pride. “They are the main thing we sell, and we love matching customers to the right book. I think that love comes through when we talk to our customers.”

A Team of Passionate Booksellers

Mark is quick to credit his staff for the store’s warm and knowledgeable atmosphere.

“Every one of my staff members is an incredible bookseller. They each have their own bookish interests, but they’re all able to recommend across a wide range of subjects.”

The team’s genuine enthusiasm for books and customer care makes a difference, especially when encouraging young readers.

“It makes me proud when customers tell us how much they love our shop, especially when they say how much their children love coming here. Encouraging children to discover something they truly enjoy and fostering a love of books is the aim of almost every bookseller in the country.”

The Waterstones Mantra: Listening to Customers

The approach Mark and his team take is straightforward yet powerful:

“Listen to the customer and match the right book to them.”

This philosophy sets Waterstones apart in a retail landscape that can often be impersonal. “Too many businesses adopt a one-size-fits-all approach, trying to sell what they want. We start by finding out what the customer wants and work from there.”

Discover Walton’s Literary Hub

Whether you’re a local resident or just visiting, Waterstones Walton offers more than just books—it’s an opportunity to experience a local institution that values community connections and personalised service.

Pop into Waterstones Walton to find your next great read, chat with Mark and his wonderful team, and feel the community spirit that keeps this bookshop thriving!

For more information or to connect with Mark, you can reach him at waltononthames@waterstones.com.

Step into Walton’s literary world and see why Waterstones is the perfect spot for book lovers of all ages!