For many of us it is hard to imagine a world without bookshops, but data from shows that one day that might be the case here in the North West.
Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows that there are 1,100 specialist bookshops in the UK; this is a 4% increase from 2017. But here in the North West the number of specialist bookshops has decreased by 14% since 2017.
Whilst this data showcases the number of specialist bookshops it leaves us wondering about smaller independent bookshops.
The Booksellers Association revealed that 2022 was their highest year of membership at 1072 up from 1027 in 2021 and up from 856 in 2016 which was their lowest year.
The Centre for Retail Research also found that 11,090 independent shops closed down in 2022.
Peter, the owner of Catalogue bookshop, a unique mobile bookshop on Oxford Road, said: “My business model means I don’t have to pay any business rates. The worry comes from other factors such as competition, and the continuous rise in the cost of living.”
He believes independent businesses survive in Manchester because of “The sense of belonging in a community and giving back to it, supporting locals and providing for the city is more prominent here than anywhere else in the country.”
More data from the ONS shows an increase in second hand goods being sold in the majority of regions in England with the exception of London. In the North West since 2017 the number of shops selling second hand items has increased by 18.9%.
Ian, co-owner of Bopcap books, a mainly second hand bookshop in Levenshulme, admits he has fears for his shop’s survival: “Like any independent shop in this current climate we worry all the time. You never stop being concerned about surviving.”
Whilst Ian is sceptical of the survival of independents in Manchester’s city centre he shared some advice:
”The kind of rents and business rates are quite prohibitive for independent bookshops to thrive. However there is quite a young demographic in Manchester, there’s a lot of energy because of the universities and a lot of creative people I suppose who are conscious of shopping at independent businesses.
“I think one of the key things, and I’ve heard lots of independent bookshops talk about this, is becoming a hub or part of the community that you’re in. Becoming a space where people can kind of come and hang out, talk about books and meet other like minded people. Levenshulme is quite arty and that is reflected in our stock.”
