New chapter for bookshop owners
AN award-winning business has shared a major update about its future, leaving shoppers ‘gutted’.
After 21 years, the owners of Simply Books, an independent bookshop in Bramhall, have put the successful business up for sale.
Sharing the news on social media, partners Andrew Cant and Sue Steel, who first opened the shop on Moss Lane in 2002, said the time felt right to ‘pass on the baton.’
They said they were confident that there would be someone out there who will ‘love the shop as much as we do.’
The posts garnered a number of comments as followers shared their sadness at the news, but also well wishes for the future.
As well as selling books, the shop has become an integral part of the Stockport community, and over the years has hosted a range of author events, book clubs and cinema screenings.
It also has its own dedicated cafe space, a place where customers have previously come to meet other visitors, grab a coffee and read their newly purchased books.
During its 21 years in business, the shop has also received a number of accolades and was even named ‘best in Britain’ in 2009.
It beat of thousands of other shops to be named Independent Bookseller Of The Year, a honour which they said at the time was ‘as good as it gets.’
Updating followers on the decision on Thursday (December 28) Simply Books’ owners said: “We’ve made a huge decision and put our bookshop up for sale! It’s thriving and after 21 years the time feels right to pass the baton on.”
They added that if anyone was interested in buying the shop or knew someone who might be, to get in touch and spread the word.
The bookshop’s followers quickly flooded the comments section with messages of support and memories of the shop.
On Facebook, one person shared what the bookshop had meant to them.
They wrote: “I remember coming in and meeting you. It was obvious then that you’d be a roaring success.
“Over the years you came to help with a ‘Hopes and Dreams’ production at my school and arranged an in-house writers’ workshop for my students.
“Finally, you supplied endless books for my son who became, and still is, a voracious reader. That’s a pretty good legacy. So glad you made Bramhall your destination.”
Another wrote: “Really sorry to see you go, but excited for you too. What an amazing job you’ve both done. Hope there’s someone out there looking for a successful business to buy so that we can keep hold of a bookshop in the village. Here’s to an exciting 2024 for you both.”
A third also shared how much it had meant to them, writing: “We are gutted, but really do wish you all the best and thank you so much for everything you’ve done for the community. Really hope someone takes this new adventure on!”
On X, formerly known as Twitter, one person said there were too many memories to recount: “Guys!! Goodness what a 21 years it’s been. Too many thanks and memories to mention here - I’ll be in to visit soon.”
A second wrote: “One of my absolute favourite bookshops. It’s a joy to go and chat books and read their recommendations.
“I hope someone truly excellent takes it over.”
After sharing the news on Facebook, Simply Books’ founders also dropped a link to their latest newsletter, further explaining the reasons for selling.
In the update, Sue and Andrew said that they originally opened the shop as a ten-year project, and reflected on building a ‘vibrant’ and ‘successful’ business that won both Independent Bookshop of the Year and Children’s Bookshop of the Year, and has a ‘highly regarded’ national reputation.
They wrote: “We’re proud of what we have achieved and the shop is thriving.
“We’ve bounced back from Covid times and there’s lots of potential for re-opening the cafe, extending the current opening hours/days and staging more events.
“One of the great strengths of the shop, and a huge plus for whoever comes in as the new owner, is our loyal and supportive customers. Yes, we mean you!
“We know that lots of you have a special affection for the shop so that’s why we wanted to keep you in the loop.
“Of course it’s difficult to say how long the process of securing a successful sale might take - but we are confident that there’s someone out there who’s going to love the shop as much as we do.”
They went on to reiterate their message to followers to keep spreading the word so they could find the right person to sell to and confirmed that they will still continue to run Simply Cinema, but would like more time to go off and explore the world.
They finished their post by adding that for now they’re still very much ‘business as usual’ and are looking forward to seeing their loyal customers after the Christmas break.
Those interested in talking to the owners about the shop can get in touch via the Simply Books website or social media pages.