Liskeard bookshop seeks ‘creative, proactive’ new owners

Michèle Laouénan, the owner of The Book Shop in Liskeard, Cornwall, has put the shop up for sale as she prepares for retirement.

Laouénan, who has owned the shop since 2008, is seeking a “creative” and “proactive” new owner (or owners) who will appreciate the local community feel of the shop to take up the mantle going forward. “I’ve run the shop for nine years now. It’s gone very well and I’ve enjoyed it very much, but I’m at the age now where I need to start a new chapter, so I would like some new people and new energy to come in”, she told The Bookseller.

The shop first opened its doors 25 years ago and Laouénan took over from a friend in 2008. She was working in the education sector at the time. “I just reached a turning point [in ‘08] where I wanted a new challenge,” she said. “I took the plunge and don’t regret it in any way. I love books, so it was a natural fit for me.” The best part about running the shop, which has been shortlisted for the British Book Awards’ Independent Bookshop of the Year four times under Laouénan’s ownership, is the interaction with customers, she said, adding that she loves recommending books to people.

She added that people in the community were “very proud” to have a local bookshop, as the next closest one is in Wadebridge, some 20 miles away.

Parties interested in buying the shop can contact Laouénan on 01579 342112, or by emailing liskeardbookshop@btconnect.com.