IT has only been open a week but the new Waterstones store on Byres Road has certainly made a splash.

The first book on the West End's main shopping street for 13 years, it has been welcomed with open arms.

"Our first customer was a boy of four years old I believe but it's a real mix, there has been no set demographic," reports bookshop manager Xavier Jones-Barlow.

Set over two floors, on street level and with a basement, the bookshop is light and bright and still retains some of the original features from the shop that used to be the home of Roots & Fruits.

"We are a brand new store, starting from scratch, so we get to tailor what books we stock, depending on what our customers like," explains Xavier. "There will be a big Glasgow section and a lot of books applicable to the West End.

"Over the first weekend we have seen that people around here like crime writing, but we have also done very well on cookery books and travel books, which is quite interesting because you can't really buy a travel book in the West End.

"It's not a surprise at all but our children's books have been flying off the shelves."

Xavier, who has worked at Waterstones branches across the country including Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow's Sauchiehall Street, plans regular author events in store as well as book groups and signings.

September 8 will see the first teen book group for 13 to 17-year-olds.

"They get to choose a book, unfortunately I can't give away books for free but they will get a discount," says Xavier.

"We will lead the discussion and then it will be up to them – teenagers get very passionate about books, which is a great thing. We want to give them a place where they can explore books and meet like-minded people."

He says the shop has received a warm welcome from shoppers in the West End.

"Almost every single person who has come in has complimented the staff, the store and the fact that we're here," he adds.

"It has been an absolute joy to work here the past few days since it opened because people want us here. Every shop does have its own character: this one is a happy, passionate one."

With more than 15,000 students on its doorstep, the shop can order books in within 48 hours for them. It also offers a student loyalty card to potentially save money and Xavier hopes, also plenty of books to relax with which aren't textbooks.

"We know there are a lot of literature and creative writing students in the area and I'd like to offer something to them as well – poetry nights and writing nights," he says.

While you browse the shelves, stop at the café for a coffee with a special blend made for the store by Glasgow coffee makers Matthew Algie.

Waterstones, 351 Byres Road, Glasgow. Visit www.waterstones.com