The fall and rise: a new chapter for bookshops

The decline in independent bookshops has stopped, the Booksellers Association has said, with store owners embracing coffee shop culture and study groups to lure customers.

There were 1,535 shops in 2005 and just 867 last year, but this year saw an increase, said Tim Godfray, head of the association.

He said: “One of the most reliable barometers in terms of the health of high street bookselling is the number of independent bookshops. The arrest in the decline seems to have happened; the next year or so will tell us whether it is reversing.” Owners said diversifying beyond bookselling was crucial, from serving coffee to hosting film clubs and study groups.