14/12/2025
It is with some sadness that I have to let you all know that after 34 years The Book Stop’s Here will cease trading at Preston Market with immediate effect.
My van broke down last Wednesday as I drove to the the Market and after consultation with my good friend and mechanic who has looked after all my vehicles the decision has been made that it is too costly to repair… I have toyed over the last few days with the idea of replacing the van, or even using my private car and bringing less stock…. However, trade is currently at an all time low, so low that it is totally not viable to spend any further money on vehicles…
Despite my one day long time competitor leaving only a couple of months ago, and the free rent period the Council have provided, the move to the Old Fish Market has been disastrous… Trade had been steadily declining for years but the speed it has crashed since the move has astounded me. Instead of it getting better week by week as customers found us, it’s actually got worse and worse and worse…. A new low was hit two weeks ago when on a Friday a nice dry Winter’s Day for the very first time in 34 yrs I took less than what the Daily Toll should’ve been . I took £8-50 in three sales selling 4 books… No way could that trend continue without the extra costs of a new vehicle… Equally it’s not worth the hard work involved loading and unloading my private car at home for each Market Day… Obviously I’d have to bring far less and with the tiny amount I’d been selling from the full stall , it would be doubtlessly not worth all the effort..
I’d like to thank each and every one of you who’s bought from my stall over these many years, I will miss those of you who still come and wish you all the best for Christmas & The New Year. Finally, two things. Firstly I will be available to do either home delivery or meet ups with customers who would still like to buy their books from me. That said it has to be a reasonable sale . One book at £2 isn’t worth a journey for, but I can bring selections for you to browse… For this service please call me on 07961990098 or PM me on here..
Second and finally please continue to support Preston Market. There are some lovely stalls on there who need the suppport of our fellow Prestonains…
Many Thanks Again & Best Wishes.
Pete
