Beloved Preston Market book stall closes after 34 years as trade hits historic low

The owner of The Book Stop’s Here says falling footfall and a disastrous market move have made the business no longer viable.

A much-loved independent book stall that has traded at Preston Market for more than three decades has closed with immediate effect, marking the end of an era for generations of local book lovers.

The Book Stop’s Here, run by Pete for the past 34 years, announced its closure this week, citing a combination of plummeting trade, rising costs and the impact of the market’s relocation to the Old Fish Market.

“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,” Pete said in a statement shared with customers.

The immediate trigger was the breakdown of his van while travelling to the market last week. After seeking advice from his long-standing mechanic, Pete said repairs were simply not viable.

“My van broke down last Wednesday as I drove to the Market and after consultation with my good friend and mechanic… the decision has been made that it is too costly to repair,” he explained. “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.”

Pete said trading conditions had worsened dramatically since the stall moved to the Old Fish Market area, despite the council offering a temporary rent-free period.

“Trade had been steadily declining for years but the speed it has crashed since the move has astounded me,” he said. “Instead of it getting better week by week as customers found us, it’s actually got worse and worse and worse.”

He described a particularly stark moment that made the decision unavoidable. "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 years I took less than what the Daily Toll should've been. I took £8.50 in three sales selling four books."

Pete added that even attempting to continue by using his private car and reducing stock would not make financial sense. "With the tiny amount l'a been selling from the full stall, it would be doubtlessly not worth all the effort."

In a heartfelt message, Pete thanked loyal customers who have supported the stall over the decades. "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 and the New Year."

While regular market trading has ended, Pete says he is still open to selling books via home delivery or arranged meet-ups for reasonable orders, and can be contacted directly by phone or message.

He also urged residents not to give up on the market itself. "Please continue to support Preston Market. There are some lovely stalls on there who need the support of our fellow Prestonians."