would you use an independent book shop?

Our local indie bookshop is turning two this month, I think. Waterstones took over Ottakars in our North London high street (Wood Green) and closed it down. Two former employees there set up our lovely indie shop.

The Big Green bookshop doesn't have a cafe but there is one just next door, they do offer people coffee though, and they have lots of book events. One of the two men who own the business has a dp who is on mumsnet - they have a little girl of about 2 and another due any day. They're online and on Facebook and I'm sure they would talk to your dh about how they've found the experience.

I confess I still use Amazon a lot, but we've spent about £70 in Christmas and birthday book tokens and another £20 in our local bookshop in the last two or three months. I'm sure that if I could get to all the events I'd like to (difficult with work, a nearly 3 year old and a 1 year old who need a regular bedtime routine), I'd spend a lot more.

I always spend some money in my mum's local indie.

There's another poster on here who runs an independent bookshop - I don't think I'm giving away any secrets as she's mentioned it on here, that's the only reason I know. So if you see nickelbabe about the boards, she might be someone to talk to....

I would use an independent bookshop, especially one that knows its stock and can recommend for me based on what I've read before. You just can't browse on Amazon! And I'd be even more likely to go if it had a good children's section - that would make me more likely to buy as my kids would want their new book straight away, not have to wait for a delivery in a week or so.

I would, in theory, go to an independent, but in practise tend to see a book I fancy online and buy it on amazon, then buy a load of "if you like that, you will like this" things as well.

Saying that, I used to buy at least one book a week in my local secondhand bookshop when there was one on my general wandering route. Stuck in a suburb now though, and haven't found many little shops in the city (Newcastle-any ideas anyone? I have found the amnesty shop, which is ace, but anywhere else?)

I really should buy less books though. I have a massive backlog in my "to read" pile.

Amazon for new, charity shops for second hand.

I'd prefer to

But unfortunately, the way my life is, I'd not end up using one. Unless it was located at King's Cross or London Bridge.

It's called 'Mr and Mrs Doak's bumper bookshop' if you're interested in looking it up.
I think they're doing okay (even with amazon/recession) as they've recently opened another shop.

We have a great children's bookshop/cafe, with lots going on; events, storytelling, clothes swap, pink milk, crafts, illustrating.
As SheikDjabouti says - maybe it's better if the bookselling isn't the main revenue.

Also might be worth having a chat with the independent booksellers association....

If you go ahead, contact the local library authority and find out whether it has a policy of supporting local independents. I used to work for a library service which bought most of its stock from library suppliers, but spent a certain amount of its budget at small local shops. This might be a thing of the past, or it might become so shortly, but it would be worth factoring in to your plans.

on one hand the coffee shop + bookshop would entice me in for sure, and I would probably end up buying a book a week on that basis.

however, I live near both a Waterstones and an independent seller, and Waterstones usually gets my trade ... did want to support the local guy but he just can't discount so I see a book at full price in his window and I know that 10 mins walk away I can buy the same at 25-50% discount. Also I get points with my waterstones card and thus further discounts.

AND ds (2.10) can browse the books more easily at Waterstones, they are more laid back about him picking up the books whereas independent man told him not to touch. I can absolutely see why, in particular when he has limited stock and high costs etc. I was in the process of telling ds to put the book down myself, nor do I let him maul the books at Waterstones, but the indy man's brusque approach made me realise that right now his is not the right shop for me. (and in fact we are using the library a lot more.)

so catering for children alongside adults is possibly a tricky one if you are a small book shop - but they are not likely to be your main audience? second hand books for children as part of a new book shop would be good.

where the independent man is good is local history.

i dream about a bookshop/coffeeshop with a nice childrens book area, maybe a weekly storytelling hour, kids entertained whilst parents buy coffee, cake and books. Maybe specialise with local history books and local authors. Maybe a small antique book section as well.Go for it.

Hi Vicar! Would it be genaral or "themed"/tailored to a particular sector? I think that the coffee shop idea has great pull - especially if it is a cosy sort of cafe with a homely feel.

What I WOULD be drawn to in an independent bookshop would be book groups/ poetry events/ local author evenings etc which Amazon NEVER do!

We have no independents in my town and the two cains we have are a bit souless. I suspect an independent would go down very well in some of the larger villages/edge of town places where parking is easy and there are also more older/retired folk.

Good luck to DH - great to hacve a rainbow to chase I think!

I really like second hand book shops - there is one on the Logos portugal that sell and also take in exchange secong hand books, they have internet aswell - touristy and english books for holiday makers. I can't get that on amazon and also if there was one in my town I would go there to have a coffee and fresh homemade bread for home and browse the second hand books and buy of priced correctly.

So you owuld get three sales through one door with me

see the other thread for stuff about councils and planning etc

Oh and to add, the nursery class at dts school buy all their stock from that shop too.

There is a very successful children's book shop near where I live. Take a look at their website for ideas. They are very involved in the community, are involved in book week at my dts' school and that is without the allure of coffee.

Even though I buy the majority of books through Amazon I buy my dts' books there when I need that personal service. It is very popular.

Depends where you are, and the coffee shop will help. If we had one in my town I would deffo. be in there, especially if you can offer discount prices.

If he can cost the cafe properly then that could be the foundation of the business revenue, with the books as added value, not the main revenue stream. That way he would not be dependent on the book sales for revenue and financial success.

(can you tell I am starting a cafe?)

There are two independent bookshops in my town (Bath) and they both seem very successful. One only opened a few years ago, everyone said they were mad to compete with Waterstones etc but they seem to do very well and won Best Independent Bookshop in the UK last year.

The service you get in one is incomparable to a chain or a website, people will pay more for that.

interesting sheik - you are right about children and browsing

I went to a great little coffee shop/bookshop in the Highlands (I forget where just now....poor tired brain tonight) which seemed to be specialising in utterly scrumptious cakes, outdoor books and guides with lots of (I think) American style stuff around the walls - very eclectic but busy. Niche stuff indeed.