Independent bookshops in the UK and Ireland have reached their highest numbers in seven years, with 967 recorded at the end of 2020, according to the Booksellers Association. This marks a fourth consecutive year of growth, up from 890 in 2019, despite the challenges of the pandemic. However, the figure masks a more complex picture: while 50 new shops opened, 44 closed, and some of the increase is due to existing shops joining the association for support.
Jane James, a former freelance bookkeeper, opened Not Just Books in Thetford, Norfolk, in October after losing most of her business during the pandemic. Her first month exceeded sales expectations, though November was mixed due to lockdown restrictions. She is now closed again after her husband tested positive for Covid-19. Julie Richardson signed the lease for Ginger and Pickles children's bookshop in Edinburgh as the first lockdown began, opening at the end of summer. She said customers have loved the shop, which is dedicated to children and teens.
Jenny McCann, an English teacher, opened Bear Bookshop in Bearwood, West Midlands, just as the November lockdown ended. She described the opening as overwhelming, with many customers expressing gratitude for the shop. Although pandemic restrictions have limited her trading to just one month, December sales were strong. McCann remains optimistic, saying, 'Leaving an established career to open your own business is always an act of optimism.'
Meryl Halls, managing director of the Booksellers Association, called the increase 'extraordinary' and noted that many people are reassessing their lives during the pandemic, which could lead to more bookshop openings in 2021. She added, 'It has been an incredibly difficult year for booksellers, so it is fantastic to see the number of independent bookshops increase for a fourth consecutive year.'
