STAFF at a Petersfield bookshop have found a unique way to drum up sales – by bringing in a parrot who talks to their customers.
The African grey parrot belongs to Farringdons Pet Care Centre, which is next to The Petersfield Bookshop in Chapel Street.
But there was no space for him in the pet shop so the parrot, named Dilly, has made the bookshop his new home.
Now, Dilly has been taught to encourage the customers to buy a book, according to Barbara Kelsey, who is one of the staff members at the bookshop.
She said: “He’s been with us for about six months now. I taught him to say ‘buy a book’. He’s there every day. At night he sits in the shop and we put the music on for him and we give him a cover so that he can go to sleep. He’s lovely.”
Barbara added that he has become a very popular member of staff.
“People love him. Everybody comes and talks to him. They are quite surprised. It brings character to the shop.
“It would be quiet without him now. He never stops.
“He’s a lot of fun. He loves the children and the children love him. The only thing is you can’t put your fingers in the cage or he will bite you –as I found out.”