FAQs

About the Observer Shop

What is the Observer Shop?

The Observer's arts coverage is celebrated for its diversity, depth, and insight—offering some of the most compelling cultural commentary in the UK. At the Observer Shop, you’ll discover curated collections of exceptional books to suit every reader, from literary fiction and graphic novels to sharp political analysis and award-winning poetry.

Every purchase you make supports the Observer’s journalism—amplifying bold storytelling and progressive perspectives that often go unheard elsewhere. With over 250,000 titles available and free UK shipping on orders over £25, there’s something for everyone.

The Observer Shop is powered by Monwell Limited, an independent, values-driven ecommerce company specialising in online bookselling.

Thank you for supporting us.

Is your packaging eco-friendly?

Our packaging is eco-friendly and 100% recyclable, delivered in high-grade boxes produced in a carbon neutral facility to full FSC compliance.

How do I contact customer service?

For all customer queries, please email help@observerbookshop.co.uk or call us on 020 3176 2930

Delivery and returns

Please see our Deliveries and returns page for information on UK and international shipping, order tracking and returns.

Placing orders and creating an account

How do I create an online account?

To create a customer account, simply click the 'Sign up' button at the top right-hand side of our website, fill in your details and create a password. See our 'Payments and security' section below for advice on creating a strong password.

You can also create an account at checkout. Simply add your books or products to your basket, and follow the instructions to create an account.

Can I check-out as a guest?

Yes. At checkout, simply type in your email address then click the button ‘continue as guest’.

How do I log-in to my account?

To log in to an existing account, simply click the 'Sign in' button at the top right-hand side of our website, fill in your details and enter your password.

For information on resetting your password, please see our 'Payments and security' section below.

Payments and security

Which payment methods do you accept?

Google Pay
Apple Pay
PayPal
All major credit cards

How will an order from the Observer Shop show up on my bank statement?

Monwell Bookshop - for credit card, Google Pay and Apple Pay transactions
Monwell Limited - for PayPal transactions

Who is Monwell Limited?

Monwell Limited is the ecommerce company responsible for running Observer Shop. You can find out more about Monwell here.

I've forgotten my password, or would like to reset it. How do I reset my password?

Please follow this link to reset your password

If you have any issues resetting your password, please email us at help@observershop.co.uk or call 020 3176 2930

How secure is observershop.co.uk?

We maintain the highest levels of security on observershop.co.uk, and take the privacy and security of all payments and personal details very seriously
Our site uses high-level SSL encryption technology, the most advanced security software currently available for online transactions
You can tell whether a page is secure because 'https' will replace the 'http' at the front of the www.observershop.co.uk in your browser address window. A small locked padlock will also appear in the bottom bar of your browser window
Only connect to secure wireless networks that you trust. Our checkout process is powered by Stripe, a leading payment provider certified to PCI Service Provider Level 1
We use Verified by Visa, Mastercard® SecureCode™ and American Express SafeKey SM. When you shop with us, these services enhance the security of your existing card account against unauthorised usage

How does the Observer Shop handle cookies?

Please see our Cookie Policy page

Why do you request my phone number at checkout?

We only request phone numbers for delivery purposes
A text will be sent by the courier to update you on your order's expected delivery date and time
We will never share your phone number with anyone other than our distributor and couriers
We will never use your phone number for marketing purposes

I'm having problems with my payment. What should I do?

Please email us at help@observershop.co.uk or call 020 3176 2930

Do you accept National Book Tokens?

We don't accept National Book Tokens.

Observer Shop e-gift cards can be purchased here

Technical queries

I'm trying to place an order, but I'm getting an error message – can you help?

If you can, please take a screenshot of the error message and email help@observershop.co.uk. Otherwise, please call us on 020 3176 2930

How do wish lists work?

Once you've created an account at the Observer Shop, you'll be able to create a wish list. On a product page, simply click 'Wish List' and 'Create New Wish List'. From here, you'll be able to give your wish list a name, and choose if you'd like to be able to share your wish list via a bespoke public link. You'll be able to share your wish list link with friends and family, so that they can purchase directly from the Observer Shop.

I'm expecting an email from the Observer Shop, which I've yet to receive. What should I do?

If you have an account with us, you can review the status of your orders on your Account page when you're logged in. Please also check your spam folder in case our email has found its way there.

For any further queries, please email us at help@observershop.co.uk or call 020 3176 2930. If you have an order number, please have that available.

Gift cards and voucher codes

I've purchased an e-gift card for someone else, but they've not received it. What should I do?

Please email us at help@observershop.co.uk or call 020 3176 2930

Are e-gift cards refundable?

Observer Shop e-gift cards are non-refundable.

Do e-gift cards expire?

Yes. Our e-gift cards expire 365 days from the date of purchase. We can extend expired gift cards on request. Please email us at help@observershop.co.uk or call 020 3176 2930

I have a voucher code for an e-gift card. How do I use it?

Once you've selected your items, please enter your voucher code in the 'Gift Card' section at checkout. The monetary value of your gift card will be deducted from your basket subtotal. Please check the expiry date of promotional codes via our website, newsletter or customer service email.

Information for authors and publishers

Why is my book not listed for sale on your website?

In order for a book to be listed on the Observer Shop, it must be available via our supplier, Gardners Books. If you'd like a book to be listed at the Guardian Bookshop, please contact Gardners Books directly or email us at help@observershop.co.uk

Merchandise and clothing

What are the measurements for different T-shirt and sweatshirt sizes?

Are your products and merchandise ethically produced?

We always do our best to sources sustainable suppliers for our merchandise and gift products. Read more on our Sustainability page
Please check specific products for more information
Our packaging is eco-friendly and 100% recyclable, delivered in high-grade boxes produced in a carbon neutral facility to full FSC compliance

Enjoy 20% off your first order with code OBS20 | Free UK delivery on orders over £25