Independent bookshops in the UK and Ireland are thriving despite high street challenges, showcasing resilience and a love for reading.
Bath: It’s pretty cool to see that independent bookshops in the UK are really holding their own. Despite all the talk about high street shops closing down, these little gems are thriving. The Booksellers Association shared that there were 1,052 indie bookshops at the end of 2024, just a tiny drop from the previous year.
It seems like the pandemic actually helped boost interest in reading and the whole bookshop experience. Back in 2016, there were only 867 indie bookshops, but that number shot up to 1,072 in 2022. Nic Bottomley, who runs Mr B’s Emporium in Bath, mentioned that hosting events and offering book subscriptions have become key to their success.
Mr B’s Emporium is buzzing with activity, holding over 50 events a year, from author talks to pop-up sales. Nic believes that bookshops need to be more than just a place to buy books; they should feel warm and inviting. It’s all about creating an experience for customers.
He also pointed out that bookshop staff are often seen as experts, which adds to the charm. People love chatting with someone who really knows their stuff about books. It’s not just about ringing up sales; it’s about sharing a passion for reading.
Even with all this good news, indie bookshops aren’t completely immune to the struggles facing retailers today. Costs have skyrocketed, making it tough to keep things running smoothly. Nic mentioned that everything from website fees to paper bags has seen a big jump in price.
According to a recent survey, 77% of bookshop owners are worried about how the rising cost of living is affecting customer spending. The overall state of the economy and staff costs are also major concerns for many.
Meryl Halls, the managing director of the Booksellers Association, emphasized that these figures show how resilient indie bookshops are. They’re not just surviving; they’re thriving thanks to the hard work and creativity of booksellers. But she also warned that we can’t get too comfortable; action is still needed to keep these shops alive.
So, while the high street may be facing challenges, indie bookshops are proving that with a little creativity and a lot of passion, they can not only survive but thrive.
