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The Times names 12 of the UK’s best independent bookshops — as chosen by its readers.

22 Jan 2024

The Times has named 12 of the UK’s best independent bookshops — as chosen by its readers. Readers highlighted places that combined books with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.... Read more…

Bira Launches Second Annual Campaign for Valentine's Day - #LoveYourHighStreet

22 Jan 2024

The British Independent Retailers Association is championing the high street again this Valentine's Day for the second consecutive year with its #LoveYourHighStreet campaign.
Read more…

Family-run shop in Lanarkshire village scoops community retailer award for second year running.

10 Jan 2024

Nads Store, a family-run shop in Law, Lanarkshire, has been named Community Retailer of the Year at the Scottish Asian and Business Awards ceremony for the second year running.
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Bira urges vigilance against loan fee fraud following FCA guidance.

10 Jan 2024

In the face of the escalating threat of loan fee fraud, the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) is urging its members to heed the Financial Conduct Authority's (FCA) recent guidance... Read more…

Canal boat record store Rubber Ducky Records is back afloat.

9 Jan 2024

Canal boat record store Rubber Ducky Records is back on the water after it sank last April, ruining over 1,000 vinyl records and a stow of music equipment stored on... Read more…

New research shows UK retail sector powered by entrepreneurs and start-ups

9 Jan 2024

While mass-market players continue to dominate the UK retail industry, research by Geek Retreat shows that 15% of Brits have set up their own business in the past ten years, and of these,... Read more…

Independent Retailers Association warns of difficult year ahead.

8 Jan 2024

The British Independent Retailers Association has said 2024 is anticipated to be a challenging period for shop keepers as economic challenges are still set to bite.
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Indie Retail Christmas Opening Hours

20 Dec 2023

The Indie Retail office will be open as usual (9am-5pm) for the majority of the Christmas period, with some exceptions.
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Bira CEO addresses surge in retail crime on the BBC

19 Dec 2023

Bira's CEO, Andrew Goodacre, took the spotlight on BBC Breakfast this week and later spoke with Nicky Campbell on BBC Radio 5 Live, shedding light on the rise in retail crime and shop theft,... Read more…

Dress shop crowned winner of Cambridge Christmas shop window competition.

18 Dec 2023

Dress shop Pocket Watch & Petticoats in Trinity Street has been crowned the winner in Cambridge BID’s Christmas window competition.
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The Times names 12 of the UK’s best independent bookshops — as chosen by its readers.

Posted on in Business News

The Times has named 12 of the UK’s best independent bookshops — as chosen by its readers. Readers highlighted places that combined books with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Those that made the cut were:

Kemptown Bookshop

Picture: facebook.com/KemptownBookshopBrighton

The Poetry Pharmacy, Bishop’s Castle, Shropshire

Reader Rachael Clyne from Glastonbury said the owners had  “worked hard to convert the historic ambience and features into a poetry hub, where they hold workshops as well as a café with drinks and cakes while you browse.”

Kemptown Bookshop, Brighton

Robert Hamberger from Brighton said:

“Since the new owner, Cathy Hayward, took over the long-established bookshop a couple of years ago, she and her friendly well-informed staff have rejuvenated it. Kemptown Bookshop is now one of the hubs of the area.”

 

Script Haven, Worcester

Michael W Thomas wrote that “this shop makes a point of promoting local writers and small presses alongside established names and imprints. It’s altogether a welcoming atmosphere, with tea, coffee and pastries: when you’ve visited once, you’ll certainly want to return.”

 

Voce Books, Birmingham

Owned and run by Clive and Maria Judd, Garrie Fletcher said that Voce is “incredibly supportive of independent publishers and proud to be based in the heart of the country in Birmingham.”

 

Heron Books, Bristol

Bob Walton commented:  “We’re not short of wonderful independent bookshops in Bristol but since Heron Books opened in 2022 something magical has appeared in the mix. It is easily the smallest bookshop imaginable (in a beautiful Victorian arcade) but that doesn’t stop the owners packing it with a huge range of diverse and up-to-date titles.”

David’s Bookshop, Letchworth

Started by the local Armitage family more than 60 years ago, this bookshop was named after their son, David. It comprises a bookshop, music store with popular vinyl and a café. 

 

Storytellers, Inc, St Anne’s on the Sea

Carolyn Hampton says that “they run book groups and author events, and there is always a book suggestion if needed and help with present buying if needed. All the best people love books.”

 

Wimbledon Books, London

Anthea Richardson wrote: “Wimbledon Books has been on the High Street in Wimbledon Village for decades. Staff are very friendly and knowledgeable, and orders arrive the next day. Why go online to receive books in a cardboard box from an overworked courier?”

 

Wave of Nostalgia, Haworth

“Wave of Nostalgia openly celebrates women and the LGBTQ community. Downstairs is the cellar, an intimate and welcoming space where many top authors come and read several times a month. It’s a lovely bookshop where reading and community are celebrated.”
Christine Sanders, West Yorkshire

 

Blue Bear Bookshop, Farnham

“The shop is friendly and welcoming, with an eclectic selection of books including a good children’s section. It offers coffee, tea and cakes — served in Polish china cups and plates. It is dog friendly too”.
Edward Sturges

 

Storey, Kelso

“I would defy anyone to go in there and not disappear down a rabbit hole of wonderful books and eclectic subject matter. This is what makes it a brilliant bookshop because it takes me out of the ordinary and makes me think.”
Caroline Roseman

                         

High Peak Bookstore, Buxton

A derelict garage on a busy road has been transformed into a cavernous booklover’s paradise. Add in a busy programme of talks, comedy and quiz nights and other events, knowledgeable staff and tables of locally produced crafts. I think it could inspire even the most reluctant reader to find a book to enjoy.
Emily Woodhams-Beazeley

 

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