I had the remarkable privilege of interviewing Ms. Jaqueline Ng, Co-founder of Big Bad Wolf, along with Carol Chuaying, the Philippine managing partner, as part of a session with the Davao Bloggers Society. Although I was already familiar with some of their responses to our questions, I was nonetheless moved by the inspiring origin story of BBW and the significant impact the founders have made in fostering a growing readership among the public.
HOW IT BEGAN
Big Bad Wolf Books is a mission- driven Journey to Enhance English Literacy and Readership through Global Access to Affordable Books. This was Founded in 2006 as a modest 500-square-foot bookstore in Malaysia, Big Bad Wolf Books has transformed into a significant player in the global book-selling arena. Its core mission is straightforward yet impactful: to foster english literacy by ensuring that books are both accessible and affordable for all.
The visionaries behind this initiative, Malaysian entrepreneurs Andrew Yap and Jacqueline Ng, set out with the goal of reshaping reading habits in Malaysia. Over the years, the company has grown into the largest book sale worldwide, reaching millions of readers across various nations and establishing a distinctive model that promotes affordable literacy.
In 2009, Big Bad Wolf Books launched its inaugural large-scale event, the “Big Bad Wolf Book Sale,” designed to directly connect books with readers. Recognizing that many individuals do not frequently visit conventional bookstores, the founders aimed to create an engaging and budget-friendly book-buying atmosphere that would draw in families and friends. These sales have introduced many non-readers to literature for the first time, fostering a newfound appreciation for reading. As these events expanded, they began to feature millions of books, solidifying the company’s reputation as the “World’s Biggest Book Sale” for high-quality, affordable literature.
The influence of Big Bad Wolf Books has been significant. Co-founder Jacqueline Ng notes, “In 2015, we began to see young adult books selling out faster than ever before. This was a pivotal moment for us, as we realized that the children who attended our early sales had matured into teenagers selecting their own books.” This natural growth in young adult readership has strengthened Big Bad Wolf's dedication to nurturing a lifelong passion for reading.
International expansion commenced in 2016, with the initiative reaching Indonesia and Thailand, and later the Philippines in 2018. This global outreach introduced logistical hurdles such as transporting millions of books, dealing with customs regulations, and setting up warehouses in partner countries. Ng remarked, “We had to devise innovative solutions to every logistical challenge we encountered,” highlighting the importance of partnerships with local logistics providers, particularly in the Philippines, to facilitate book deliveries while maintaining low prices.
Despite the increasing popularity of e-books and digital platforms, Big Bad Wolf Books remains steadfast in its mission. Ng emphasizes, “Physical books, especially for children, hold immense value. The joy of physically holding a book, selecting one from the shelf, and taking it home is an experience that digital media cannot replicate.” The company has noticed that parents who attend Big Bad Wolf Book Sales with their children appreciate the event's diverse offerings and affordability, allowing them to purchase multiple books without financial strain.
Fueled by a clear mission and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of books, Big Bad Wolf Books continues to innovate and expand, promoting literacy and accessibility through each book sale.
One of my favorite aspects of BBW's journey is their early observations regarding sales trends. Initially, while the demand for children’s and adult books was robust, the young adult category lagged behind. However, a few years later, they witnessed a significant increase in sales for young adult literature. This shift was clear evidence that the children who once cherished books had grown up and were now eager to explore literature suited to their age. It reinforced the notion that instilling a love for reading in children truly pays off.
Ms. Ng expressed a desire to make books more accessible to children, recognizing that the high cost of quality literature often restricts families' ability to purchase books for their children. Many parents operate within tight budgets, which frequently leads to the difficult decision of prioritizing necessary school materials over recreational reading.
I can personally relate to this experience. During my childhood, trips to the bookstore often meant I would leave with just one book, while my mother could afford only five or sometimes none at all. Reading for kids was often perceived as an unnecessary expense, making it challenging for me to keep up with my reading habit, especially since I could finish a book in just a day or even a few hours. Eventually, my mother resigned to the fact that I would also delve into her books.
BIG BAD WOLF TODAY
This year, Big Bad Wolf Davao is committed to attracting both passionate readers and those who may not view themselves as regular readers. The event aims to ignite curiosity and foster a love for literature in all attendees, creating an inclusive celebration of reading. With substantial discounts and a diverse selection of genres, Big Bad Wolf aspires to make reading both accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
The Big Bad Wolf Davao 2024 event will take place from November 22 to December 1 at The Tent, Azuela Cove, Davao City. It will be open daily from 10:00 AM to midnight, extending to 2:00 AM on weekends.
Metrobank cardholders can take advantage of a special 3-month 0% installment promotion on purchases of P3,000 or more, along with other offers to ease their holiday shopping. For updates on exclusive promotions and discounts, follow Big Bad Wolf Books on social media!
In partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Big Bad Wolf is also dedicated to spreading the joy of reading to underprivileged communities. Guests are encouraged to donate books to enhance children’s access to quality literature, creating a lasting impact during the holiday season.
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to discover holiday treasures, engage in exciting activities, and make a difference. Stay connected with Big Bad Wolf Books on Facebook and Instagram, or visit their website for the latest information on book sale events and offers.