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| ‘Online competition is just the start … Wenlock Books in Much Wenlock, Shropshire |
Wenlock Books, an award-winning independent bookshop that has served readers in the Shropshire town of Much Wenlock since 1991, is being forced to close, with the owner placing the blame squarely on the rise of Amazon.
Anna Dreda, who won independent bookseller of the year in 2006 and founded the Wenlock poetry festival, said the decision to close had been “very, very difficult” because she has “just adored being here in the high street in my beautiful shop making wonderful connections with my customers”. But a combination of serious illness, an increasingly quiet high street and customers’ preference for online shopping are forcing her to close her doors by the end of June. Dreda has worked at the shop since 1991, and took over from the previous owner in 2003. A review of the shop in the Guardian in 2005 called it “nothing short of a gem”...
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| ‘Flatlining’ custom … Camden Lock Books in London |
Despite the fact that independent bookseller numbers have now risen for two years in a row, Dreda is not the only indie feeling the pinch: Camden Lock Books will close in July after 18 years in Old Street, London. Owner Jason Burley said there had been a “gathering of different factors” behind his decision, from major works at Old Street roundabout to business rates and rent rises, along with “flatlining” custom. “It’s not a terribly profitable business, to be honest,” said Burley. “There’s been endless upset from customers [at the news]. One was in tears when I told her. It is such a shame.”
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Source: The Guardian
