Pune doorstep bookstore model expands across housing societies
Pune-based couple Rutica Walambe and Ashay Walambe launched their doorstep book venture, Pustakwale, in August 2020 after noticing a lack of nearby bookshops during a friend’s visit, according to a report by Hindustan Times.
What started as a single exhibition in a Baner housing society has now grown into a citywide network. The enterprise has sold more than one lakh books to approximately 50,000 families, generating a cumulative revenue exceeding Rs 1.5 crore, according to the same report.
The business model relies on physical pop-up exhibitions hosted inside residential communities, schools, and corporate offices. Pustakwale currently reaches more than 1,000 housing communities, over 75 schools, and upwards of 50 corporates in Pune. Communities provide the space free of exhibition fees, while the venture earns its revenue directly from book sales during these events.
Funding and Gen Z workforce integration
The founders initially raised Rs 25 lakh through five backers contributing Rs 5 lakh each, structuring the capital as debt rather than giving away equity. The venture also received early cultural sponsorship support from banks. To manage daily operations, Pustakwale operates an ‘Earn and Learn’ initiative that engages more than 100 Gen Z book lovers to assist with sales, customer interactions, and community activities.
Looking ahead, the founders plan to raise Rs 50 lakh in stages to strengthen their inventory, working capital, institutional sales, and community programmes. The business aims to launch a new initiative titled ‘2 Pages A Day’ on Children’s Day, designed to help readers build a daily reading habit through small, consistent efforts.
How Pustakwale operates and its impact since 2020
How much does it cost housing societies to host a Pustakwale exhibition?
Pustakwale does not charge any exhibition fee to housing societies. The venture generates its earnings entirely from the books sold during the events.
How many books and families has Pustakwale reached since 2020?
Since starting in August 2020, the venture has sold more than one lakh books to approximately 50,000 families, according to a report by Hindustan Times.
What is the upcoming ‘2 Pages a Day’ initiative?
Planned for a launch on Children’s Day, the initiative encourages people to read just two pages daily to help develop a lasting reading habit without feeling like a task.
Related reading