AVID readers have helped boost Worcestershire's independent bookshops as the country sees a boom in new stores.
People having more time to read during lockdown has been credited with a sixth consecutive year of growth in the number of bookshops.
And Worcester is following that trend after Bored and Bookless opened its doors on Friar Street in November.
Currently, there are 1,072 independent bookshops across the UK and Ireland, after the industry had a sixth consecutive year of growth according to the Booksellers Association (BA).
And the book trade has managed to defy the odds in an otherwise 'brutal' year for high street retailers, according to a recent report by the Centre for Retail Research.
As well as the new store in Worcester, which is the only independent bookshop in the city centre, -there are also several well-established independent bookstores across Worcestershire.
Malvern Book Cooperative
Malvern Book Cooperative on St Ann's Road first opened in the town in 2012.
Bookseller Philippa Thomas, age 46, said: "For a lot of people, treating yourself once a month to a nice cup of coffee and a new book is a small way to treat yourself.
READ MORE: Guildhall Lion Dance set to take place in new location this year
Ms Thomas said people choose to support independent bookstores due to a backlash against Amazon.
"A lot of our customers are happy to pay a few pounds extra to support us.
"Bookshops act like mini-communities and a lot of people come and they like to have a chat."
READ MORE: Worcester Foregate Street trains could be cancelled or delayed
She also said the popularity of books increased during lockdown because people had more time on their hands to read and make banana bread.
She added: "Reading will never go out of fashion."
Bored and Bookless
Bored and Bookless head buyer Oliver Whyman said: "A man came in the other day and said it was great news that an independent bookshop had opened up in Worcester.
"People need books because everyone likes to read.
"You can't have a bookshelf at home filled with kindles, books have a different feel.
READ MORE: TikTok star Shabaz Says leaves viewers in stitches again
"New books have a new book smell and you don't get that with a kindle.
"People love bookshops, it's a different atmosphere, it's quiet, and people."
Wyre Forest Books
At Wyre Forest Books in Load Street, Bewdley the riverside town's tourism helps bring in browsers.
Owner Mick Farris said: "There is an increase of bookshops opening than closing which is good.
READ MORE: A44 crash: Woman taken to hospital after driving into hedge
"Football depends on the location of the bookstore.
"We're in a tourist town and there is a lot of footfall.
"In a way, lockdown scenarios were quite beneficial for independent bookshops.
"Lockdown meant people stayed local and shopped local, and visited shops in their town, rather than going to bigger cities like Birmingham.
"But even though our shop was closed during lockdown, people noticed our shop and it sowed the seed to pay us a visit when we reopen.
"People found books again during lockdown and people who hadn't read for a long time were reading again."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel